Dibenzodiazepinone analogues, processes for their production and their use as pharmaceuticals

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to biologically active dibenzodiazepinone analogs represented by Formula I, to methods of producing them, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and to methods of treating neoplastic conditions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.11/______ (McAlpine et al), filed Sep. 27, 2005, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/762,107, filed Jan.21, 2004. U.S. Ser. No. 10/762,107 claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication 60/441,126, filed Jan. 21, 2003; U.S. ProvisionalApplication 60/492,997, filed Aug. 7, 2003; and U.S. ProvisionalApplication 60/518,286, filed Nov. 10, 2003. U.S. application Ser. No.11/______ claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 10/951,436, filedSep. 27, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application 60/625,653, filed Nov. 8,2004; U.S. Provisional Application 60/647,381, filed Jan. 28, 2005; U.S.Provisional Application 60/701,472, filed Jul. 22, 2005; and CanadianPatent Application 2,497,031, filed Feb. 11, 2005. The entire teachingsof the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to dibenzodiazepinone analogues, represented asderivatives of the naturally produced farnesylated dibenzodiazepinonereferred to as Compound 1, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts,solvates and prodrugs, and to methods for obtaining the compounds. Onemethod of obtaining the derivatives involves post-biosynthesis chemicalmodification of Compound 1. The present invention further relates to theuse of dibenzodiazepinone analogues, and their pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts, solvates and prodrugs as pharmaceuticals, inparticular to their use as inhibitors of cancer cell growth, mammalianlipoxygenase, and for treating acute and chronic inflammation, and topharmaceutical compositions comprising a dibenzodiazepinone analogue, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The euactinomycetes are a subset of a large and complex group ofGram-positive bacteria known as actinomycetes. Over the past few decadesthese organisms, which are abundant in soil, have generated significantcommercial and scientific interest as a result of the large number oftherapeutically useful compounds, particularly antibiotics, produced assecondary metabolites. The intensive search for strains able to producenew antibiotics has led to the identification of hundreds of newspecies.

Many of the euactinomycetes, particularly Streptomyces and the closelyrelated Saccharopolyspora genera, have been extensively studied. Both ofthese genera produce a notable diversity of biologically activemetabolites. Because of the commercial significance of these compounds,much is known about the genetics and physiology of these organisms.Another representative genus of euactinomycetes, Micromonospora, hasalso generated commercial interest. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,541,181(Ohkuma et al.) discloses a dibenzodiazepinone compound, specifically5-farnesyl-4,7,9-trihydroxy-dibenzodiazepin-11-one (named “BU-4664L”),produced by a known euactinomycetes strain, Micromonospora sp. M990-6(ATCC 55378). ECO-4601 (Compound 1) and Micromonospora sp. strains046-ECO11 and [S01]046 are disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 10/762,107,incorporated by reference in its entirety. ECO-4601 was also disclosedin Charan et al. (2004), J. Nat. Prod., vol 67, 1431-1433, and Igarashiet al. (2005), J. Antibiot., vol 58, no 5, 350-352. Its use for thetreatment of cancer is disclosed in U.S. Ser. Nos. 10/951,436 and11/130,295, both incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Synthetic dibenzodiazepinone analogs were disclosed in the publishedCanadian patent application 2,248,820 as having anti-histamineproperties.

Although many biologically active compounds have been identified frombacteria, there remains the need to obtain novel compounds with enhancedproperties. Thus, there exists a considerable need to obtainpharmaceutically active compounds in a cost-effective manner and withhigh yield. The present invention solves these problems by providing newtherapeutic compounds and methods to generate these novel compounds bypost-biosynthetic chemical modifications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention relates to dibenzodiazepinone analogues asdefined below and represented by derivatives of Compound 1, and topharmaceutical compositions comprising a dibenzodiazepinone analogue ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, togetherwith a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment, thedibenzodiazepinone analogue is represented by a compound of Formula I asdefined below, or an ether, ester, N-alkylated and N-acylatedderivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug ofa compound of Formula I. In a further embodiment, the dibenzodiazepinoneanalogue is represented by any one of Compounds 2 to 7, 9 to 11, and 13to 130 as defined below, or an ether, an ester, an N-alkylated orN-acylated derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate ofprodrug of any one of Compounds 2 to 7, 9 to 11, and 13 to 130. In afurther embodiment, the dibenzodiazepinone analogue is represented byany one of Compounds 2 to 7, 9 to 11, 14, 17, 18, 46, 63, 64, 67, 77,78, 80, 82 to 85, 87, 89, 92, 95 to 98,100 to 103, and 105, as definedbelow, or an ether, an ester, an N-alkylated or N-acylated derivative,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate of prodrug of any one ofCompounds 1 to 7, 9 to 11, 14, 17, 18, 46, 63, 64, 67, 77, 78, 80, 82 to85, 87, 89, 92, 95 to 98,100 to 103, and 105.

In another aspect of the invention, the dibenzodiazepinone analogue isrepresented by a compound of Formula II as defined below, or ahydrogenated or hydroalkoxylated farnesyl derivative, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug of a compound ofFormula II. In another embodiment, the dibenzodiazepinone analogue isrepresented by any one of Compounds 2, 14, 62, 63, 64, 67, 68, 69, 70,72, 78, 79, 80, 81, 85, 86, 87, and 98 to 100 as defined below, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug, or salt of aprodrug of any one of Compounds 2, 14, 62, 63, 64, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72,78, 79, 80, 81, 85, 86, 87, and 98 to 104. In a further embodiment, thedibenzodiazepinone analogue is represented by any one of Compounds 2,14, 63, 64, 67, 78, 80, 85, 87, 98, and 100 as defined below, or apharmaceutically acceptable solvate or prodrug of any one of Compounds2, 14, 63, 64, 67, 78, 80, 85, 87, 98, and 100.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the dibenzodiazepinone analogueis represented by any one of Compounds 40-46, and 97 as defined below,or a pharmaceutically acceptable solvate or prodrug of any one ofCompounds 40-46, and 97.

The invention further encompasses a dibenzodiazepinone analogue obtainedby a method comprising one or more step of chemically modifyingCompound 1. In one embodiment the dibenzodiazepinone analogue is acompound of Formula I. In another embodiment, the dibenzodiazepinoneanalogue is a compound of Formula II, or a hydrogenated orhydroalkoxylated farnesyl derivative. In a further embodiment, thedibenzodiazepinone analogue is selected from Compounds 2 to 7, 9 to 11,and 13 to 130. In another embodiment the dibenzodiazepinone analogue isselected from Compounds 2 to 7, 9 to 11, 14, 17, 18, 46, 63, 64, 67, 77,78, 80, 82 to 85, 87, 89, 92, 95 to 98,100 to 103, 105, 107 and 108. Inanother embodiment the dibenzodiazepinone analogue is selected fromCompounds 2, 14, 62, 63, 64, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 78, 79, 80, 81, 85, 86,87, 98 to 100. In another embodiment the dibenzodiazepinone analogue isselected from Compounds 2, 14, 63, 64, 67, 78, 80, 85, 87, 98, and 100.In another embodiment the dibenzodiazepinone analogue is selected fromCompounds 46, and 97.

The invention further encompasses a process for making adibenzodiazepinone compound, comprising chemically modifying thefarnesyl dibenzodiazepinone Compound 1, and optionally isolating andpurifying the dibenzodiazepinone compound produced. In one embodiment,the chemical modification step comprises at least one step selected fromN-alkylations, N-acylations, O-alkylations, O-acylations, andmodifications of the double bonds of the farnesyl side chain including,hydrogenation, electrophilic additions (e.g., epoxidation,dihydroxylation, hydration, hydroalkoxylation, hydroamidation, and thelike), and double bond cleavage, like ozonolysis, and reduction of theozonolysis product. In a subclass of this embodiment, the farnesyl sidechain modification reaction is partial (one or two double bondsmodified) or complete (all three double bonds are modified).

The invention further encompasses a method of inhibiting the growth of aneoplastic cell, the method comprising contacting the cancer cell with acompound of Formula I, such that growth of the neoplastic cell isinhibited. In one embodiment, the compound is a compound selected fromCompounds 2 to 7, 9 to 11, and 13 to 130. In another embodiment, thecompound is selected from Compounds 2 to 7, 9 to 11, 14, 17, 18, 46, 63,64, 67, 77, 78, 80, 82 to 85, 87, 89, 92, 95 to 98, 100 to 103, 105 and107-108. In another embodiment, the compound is a compound of FormulaII, or a hydrogenated or hydroalkoxylated farnesyl derivative. Inanother embodiment, the compound is selected from Compounds 2, 14, 62,63, 64, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 78, 79, 80, 81, 85, 86, 87, and 98 to 100.In another embodiment, the compound is selected from Compounds 2, 14,63, 64, 67, 78, 80, 85, 87, 98, and 100. In another embodiment thecompound is selected from Compounds 40-46, and 97.

The invention further encompasses a method of inhibiting the growth of aneoplastic cell in a mammal, the method comprising administering acompound of Formula I to a mammal comprising a neoplastic cell, suchthat growth of the neoplastic cell is inhibited in the mammal. In oneembodiment, the compound is a compound selected from Compounds 2 to 7, 9to 11, and 13 to 130. In another embodiment, the compound is selectedfrom Compounds 2 to 7, 9 to 11, 14, 17, 18, 46, 63, 64, 67, 77, 78, 80,82 to 85, 87, 89, 92, 95 to 98,100 to 103, 105 and 107-108. In anotherembodiment, the compound is a compound of Formula II, or a hydrogenatedor hydroalkoxylated farnesyl derivative. In another embodiment, thecompound is selected from Compounds 2, 14, 62, 63, 64, 67, 68, 69, 70,72, 78, 79, 80, 81, 85, 86, 87, and 98 to 100. In another embodiment,the compound is selected from Compounds 2, 14, 63, 64, 67, 78, 80, 85,87, 98, and 100. In another embodiment the compound is selected fromCompounds 40-46, and 97.

The invention further encompasses a method of treating a neoplastic,pre-cancerous or cancerous condition in a mammal, comprising the step ofadministering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of acompound of Formula I, such that a neoplastic, pre-cancerous orcancerous condition is treated. In one embodiment, the compound is acompound selected from Compounds 2 to 7, 9 to 11, and 13 to 130. Inanother embodiment, the compound is selected from Compounds 2 to 7, 9 to12, 14, 17, 18, 46, 63, 64, 67, 77, 78, 80, 82 to 85, 87, 89, 92, 95 to98,100 to 103, 105 and 107-108. In another embodiment, the compound is acompound of Formula II, or a hydrogenated or hydroalkoxylated farnesylderivative. In another embodiment, the compound is selected fromCompounds 2, 14, 62, 63, 64, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 78, 79, 80, 81, 85, 86,87, and 98 to 100. In another embodiment, the compound is selected fromCompounds 2, 14, 63, 64, 67, 78, 80, 85, 87, 98, and 100. In anotherembodiment the compound is selected from Compounds 40-46, and 97.

In one embodiment, the cancer cell, neoplastic, pre-cancerous orcancerous condition, in the above-mentioned methods, is selected fromleukemia, melanoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer,ovarian cancer, renal cancer, colon or colorectal cancer, prostatecancer, and CNS cancer. In another embodiment, the cancer cell, andpre-cancerous or cancerous condition, in the above-mentioned methods anduses, is selected from leukemia, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and CNScancer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1: shows inhibition of tumor growth resulting from bolusadministration of 10 to 30 mg/kg of Compound 1 to C6glioblastoma-bearing mice one day after tumor cell inoculation.

FIG. 2: shows inhibition of tumor growth resulting from bolusadministration of 20-30 mg/kg of Compound 1 to glioblastoma-bearing miceten days after tumor cell inoculation.

FIG. 3: shows micrographs of tumor sections from mice bearingglioblastoma tumors and treated with saline or Compound 1. The celldensity of tumor treated with Compound 1 appears decreased and nucleifrom tumor cells are larger and pycnotic suggesting a cytotoxic effect.

FIG. 4: inhibition of tumor growth resulting from bolus administrationof 20 to 75 mg/kg of Compound 2 to C6 glioblastoma-bearing mice from day11 to day 20 of treatment.

FIG. 5: shows the mean (±SD) plasma concentrations of Compound 1 inSwiss mice following bolus 30 mg/kg intravenous (iv), intraperitoneal(ip), subcutaneous (sc) and oral (po) administrations.

FIG. 6: shows the mean (±SD) plasma concentrations of Compounds 1 and 2in CD-1 mice following bolus 30 mg/kg intravenous (iv) andintraperitoneal (ip) administrations.

FIG. 7: shows the mean concentration of Compound 1 in various tissues,30 minutes after 30 mg/kg intravenous (iv), intraperitoneal (ip) andsubcutaneous (sc) administrations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to novel dibenzodiazepinone analoguesherein referred as the compounds of Formula I, which include derivativesof Compound 1. Compound 1 is isolated from strains of actinomycetes,Micromonospora sp. 046-ECO11 (namely 046(ECO11)) or [S01]046, asdescribed in U.S. Ser. No. 10/762,107.

The invention also relates to a method for producing noveldibenzodiazepinone analogs of Formula I, by chemical modification of thefarnesyl dibenzodiazepinone Compound 1. In a subclass of thisembodiment, the compound produced is a compound of Formula II or ahydrogenated or hydroalkoxylated farnesyl derivative thereof, or acompound selected from Compounds 40-46, and 97.

The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositionscomprising a compound of Formula I or II and its pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts, solvates and derivatives. Compounds of Formula I or IIare useful as pharmaceuticals, in particular for use as an inhibitor ofcancer cell growth, and mammalian lipoxygenase.

The following detailed description discloses how to make and use thecompounds of Formula I or II and compositions containing these compoundsto inhibit tumor growth and/or specific disease pathways.

Accordingly, certain aspects of the present invention relate topharmaceutical compositions comprising the dibenzodiazepinone compoundsof the present invention together with a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier, and methods of using the pharmaceutical compositions to treatdiseases, including cancer, and chronic and acute inflammation,autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases.

I. Definitions

All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning ascommonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention belongs. For convenience, the meaning of certain terms andphrases used in the specification, examples, and appended claims, areprovided below.

As used herein, the term “farnesyl dibenzodiazepinone” refers toCompound 1, namely10-farnesyl-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydrodibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,also referred to as ECO-4601.

As used herein, the terms “compound(s) of the invention”,“dibenzodiazepinone analogue(s)”, “dibenzodiazepinone compound(s)”, andequivalent expressions refer to a class of dibenzodiazepinone compoundscontaining a farnesyl moiety or being derived from a farnesyl moiety,and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and prodrugs thereof.The term includes a compound of Formula I or II, a compound selectedfrom Compounds 2 to 7, 9 to 11, and 13 to 130, or the exemplifiedcompounds of the present invention, Compounds 2 to 7, 9 to 11, 14, 17,18, 46, 63, 64, 67, 77, 78, 80, 82 to 85, 87, 89, 92, 95 to 98,100 to103, 105 and 107-108, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate orprodrug of any of the above compounds. As used herein, the term“dibenzodiazepinone analogues” includes compounds of this class that canbe used as intermediates in chemical syntheses, and variants containingisotopes different than the most abundant isotope of an atom (e.g, Dreplacing H, ¹³C replacing ¹²C, etc). The compounds of the invention arealso sometimes referred as “active ingredients”.

As used herein, the term “chemical modification” refers to one or moresteps of modifying a dibenzodiazepinone compound, referred to as“starting material”, by chemical synthesis. Preferred compounds for useas starting materials in a chemical modification process are Compounds 1to 130, more preferably Compound 1. Examples of chemical modificationsteps include N-alkylations, N-acylations, O-alkylations, O-acylations,aromatic halogenation, and modifications of the double bonds of thefarnesyl side chain including, hydrogenation, electrophilic additions(e.g., epoxidation, dihydroxylation, hydration, hydroalkoxylation,hydroamidation, and the like), and double bond cleavage like ozonolysis,and reduction of ozonolysis product. Farnesyl side chain modificationreaction can be partial (one or two double bonds modified) or complete(three double bonds modified). Chemical modification steps are alsodefined in the Schemes of Section IIIB, and exemplified in Examples 4 to9 and Example 13.

The term “ether” refers to a dibenzodiazepinone analogue obtained by thereplacement of a hydrogen atom from an alcohol by an R′ replacementgroup by an O-alkylation reaction as defined in Scheme 1 (a) below. Moreparticularly, the term ether encompasses ethers of the alcohols inpositions 4, 6, and 8 (see Exampes 3-9 for atom numbering).

The term “ester” refers to a dibenzodiazepinone analogue obtained by thereplacement of a hydrogen atom from an alcohol by a C(O)R″ replacementgroup by an O-acylation reaction as defined in Scheme 1(b) below. Theterm ester also encompasses ester equivalents including, withoutlimitation, carbonate, carbamate, and the like. More particularly, theterm “ester” encompasses esters of the alcohols in positions 4, 6, and 8(see Exampes 3-9 for atom numbering).

The term “N-alkylated derivative” refers to a dibenzodiazepinoneanalogue obtained by the replacement of a hydrogen atom of a nitrogenatom by an R replacement group by an N-alkylation reaction as defined inScheme 2(a) below. More particularly, the term “N-alkylated derivative”encompasses derivatives substituted at the nitrogen in position 5 (seeExampes 3-9 for atom numbering).

The term “N-acylated derivative” refers to a dibenzodiazepinone analogueobtained by the replacement of a hydrogen atom of a nitrogen atom by aC(O)R replacement group by an N-acylation reaction as defined in Scheme2(b) below. The term N-acylated derivative further encompasses amideequivalents such as, without limitation, urea, guanidine, and the like.More particularly, the term “N-acylated derivative” encompassesderivatives substituted at the nitrogen in position 5 (see Exampes 3-9for atom numbering).

As used herein, the term “hydrogenated or hydroalkoxylated farnesylderivative” refers to a compound having a modified farnesyl side chainat one to three positions by either saturation (addition of two hydrogenatoms) or by addition of a molecule of alcohol (H and OC₁₋₆alkyl)produced respectively by the procedures generally defined in Schemes3(d) and (e) of Section IIIB, and more specifically in Examples 4, 8 and13.

As used herein, abbreviations have their common meaning. Unlessotherwise noted, the abbreviations “Ac”, “Me”, “Et”, “Pr”, “i-Pr”, “Bu”,“Bz”, “Bn” and “Ph”, respectively refer to acetyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl(n- or iso-propyl), iso-propyl, butyl (n-, iso-, sec- or tert-butyl),benzoyl, benzyl and phenyl. Abbreviations in the specificationcorrespond to units of measure, techniques, properties or compounds asfollows: “RT” or “Rt” means retention time, “min” means minutes, “h”means hour(s), “μL” means microliter(s), “mL” means milliliter(s), “mM”means millimolar, “M” means molar, “mmole” means millimole(s), “eq”means molar equivalent(s). “High Pressure Liquid Chromatography” or“High Performance Liquid Chromatography” are abbreviated HPLC.

The term “alkyl” refers to linear, branched or cyclic, saturatedhydrocarbon groups. Examples of alkyl groups include, withoutlimitation, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, pentyl, hexyl,heptyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexylmethyl, and the like. Alkylgroups may optionally be substituted with substituents selected fromacyl, amino, acylamino, acyloxy, carboalkoxy, carboxy, carboxyamido,cyano, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, thio, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl,heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, sulfinyl, sulfonyl,oxo, guanidino and formyl.

The term “C_(1-n)alkyl”, wherein n is an integer from 2 to 12, refers toan alkyl group having from 1 to the indicated “n” number of carbons. TheC_(1-n)alkyl can be cyclic or a straight or branched chain.

The term “linear C_(1-n)alkyl”, wherein n is an integer from 2 to 10,refers to an alkyl group having from 1 to the indicated “n” number ofcarbons and being liear, i.e. not cyclic or branched in the vicinity ofthe attached atom (herein the nitrogen). The C_(1-n)alkyl can optionallybe substituted with small groups such as acyl, amino, acylamino,acyloxy, carboalkoxy, carboxy, carboxyamido, cyano, halo, hydroxyl,nitro, thio, alkoxy, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, oxo, guanidino and formyl.

The term “alkenyl” refers to linear, branched or cyclic unsaturatedhydrocarbon groups containing, from one to six carbon-carbon doublebonds. Examples of alkenyl groups include, without limitation, vinyl,1-propene-2-yl, 1-butene-4-yl, 2-butene-4-yl, 1-pentene-5-yl and thelike. Alkenyl groups may optionally be substituted with substituentsselected from acyl, amino, acylamino, acyloxy, carboalkoxy, carboxy,carboxyamido, cyano, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, thio, alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy,aryloxy, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, formyl, oxo and guanidino. The double bondportion(s) of the unsaturated hydrocarbon chain may be either in the cisor trans configuration.

The term “C_(2-n)alkenyl”, wherein n is an integer from 3 to 12, refersto an alkenyl group having from 2 to the indicated “n” number ofcarbons. The C_(2-n)alkenyl can be cyclic or a straight or branchedchain.

The term “alkynyl” refers to linear, branched or cyclic unsaturatedhydrocarbon groups containing at least one carbon-carbon triple bond.Examples of alkynyl groups include, without limitation, ethynyl,1-propyne-3-yl, 1-butyne-4-yl, 2-butyne-4-yl, 1-pentyne-5-yl and thelike. Alkynyl groups may optionally be substituted with substituentsselected from acyl, amino, acylamino, acyloxy, carboalkoxy, carboxy,carboxyamido, cyano, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, thio, alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy,aryloxy, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, formyl, oxo and guanidine.

The term “C_(2-n)alkynyl”, wherein n is an integer from 3 to 12, refersto an alkynyl group having from 2 to the indicated “n” number ofcarbons. The C_(2-n)alkynyl can be cyclic or a straight or branchedchain.

The term “cycloalkyl” or “cycloalkyl ring” refers to an alkyl group, asdefined above, further comprising a saturated or partially unsaturatedcarbocyclic ring in a single or fused carbocyclic ring system havingfrom three to fifteen ring members. Examples of cycloalkyl groupsinclude, without limitation, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl,cyclopenten-1-yl, cyclopenten-2-yl, cyclopenten-3-yl, cyclohexyl,cyclohexen-1-yl, cyclohexen-2-yl, cyclohexen-3-yl, cycloheptyl,bicyclo[4,3,0]nonanyl, norbornyl, and the like. Cycloalkyl groups mayoptionally be substituted with substituents selected from acyl, amino,acylamino, acyloxy, carboalkoxy, carboxy, carboxyamido, cyano, halo,hydroxyl, nitro, thio, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl,heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, sulfinyl, sulfonyland formyl.

The term “C_(3-n)cycloalkyl”, wherein n is an integer from 4 to 15,refers to a cycloalkyl ring or ring system or having from 3 to theindicated “n” number of carbons.

The term “heterocycloalkyl”, “heterocyclic” or “heterocycloalkyl ring”refers to a cycloalkyl group, as defined above, further comprising oneto four hetero atoms (e.g. N, O, S, P) or hetero groups (e.g. NH,NR_(x), PO₂, SO, SO₂) in a single or fused heterocyclic ring systemhaving from three to fifteen ring members (e.g. tetrahydrofuranyl hasfive ring members, including one oxygen atom). Examples of aheterocycloalkyl, heterocyclic or heterocycloalkyl ring include, withoutlimitation, pyrrolidino, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrodithienyl,tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, piperidino, morpholino,thiomorpholino, thioxanyl, piperazinyl, azetidinyl, oxetanyl, thietanyl,homopiperidinyl, oxepanyl, thiepanyl, oxazepinyl, diazepinyl,thiazepinyl, 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinyl, 2-pyrrolinyl, 3-pyrrolinyl,indolinyl, 2H-pyranyl, 4H-pyranyl, dioxanyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl,pyrazolinyl, dithianyl, dithiolanyl, dihydropyranyl, dihydrothienyl,dihydrofuranyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl,3-azabicyclo[3,1,0]hexanyl, 3-azabicyclo[4,1,0]heptanyl, 3H-indolyl,quinolizinyl, and glucuronide. The foregoing heterocycloalkyl groups, asderived from the compounds listed above, may be C-attached or N-attachedwhere such is possible. Heterocycloalkyl, heterocyclic orheterocycloalkyl ring may optionally be substituted with substituentsselected from acyl, amino, acylamino, acyloxy, oxo, thiocarbonyl, imino,carboalkoxy, carboxy, carboxyamido, cyano, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, thio,alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,alkoxy, aryloxy, sulfinyl, sulfonyl and formyl.

The term “C_(3-n)heterocycloalkyl”, wherein n is an integer from 4 to15, refers to an heterocycloalkyl group having from 3 to the indicated“n” number of atoms in the cycle and at least one hetero group asdefined above.

The terms “halo” or “halogen” refers to bromine, chlorine, fluorine oriodine substituents.

The term “aryl” or “aryl ring” refers to common aromatic groups having“4n+2” π(pi) electrons, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 3, in aconjugated monocyclic or polycyclic system and having from five tofourteen ring atoms. Aryl may be directly attached, or connected via aC₁₋₃alkyl group (also referred to as aralkyl). Examples of aryl include,without limitation, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, 1-phenylethyl, tolyl,naphthyl, biphenyl, terphenyl, and the like. Aryl groups may optionallybe substituted with one or more substituent group selected from acyl,amino, acylamino, acyloxy, azido, alkythio, carboalkoxy, carboxy,carboxyamido, cyano, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, thio, alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy,sulfinyl, sulfonyl and formyl.

The term “C_(5-n)aryl”, wherein n is an integer from 5 to 14, refers toan aryl group having from 5 to the indicated “n” number of atoms,including carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. The C_(5-n)aryl can bemono or polycyclic.

The term “heteroaryl” or “heteroaryl ring” refers to an aryl ring, asdefined above, further containing one to four heteroatoms selected fromoxygen, nitrogen, sulphur or phosphorus. Examples of heteroaryl include,without limitation, pyridyl, imidazolyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazolyl,triazolyl, tetrazolyl, furyl, thienyl; isooxazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl,isothiazolyl, pyrrollyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, indolyl,benzimidazolyl, benzofuranyl, cinnolinyl, indazolyl, indolizinyl,phthalazinyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, isoindolyl, pteridinyl, purinyl,oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, furazanyl, benzofurazanyl, benzothiophenyl,benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl,naphthyridinyl, and furopyridinyl groups. Heteroaryl may optionally besubstituted with one or more substituent group selected from acyl,amino, acylamino, acyloxy, azido, alkythio, carboalkoxy, carboxy,carboxyamido, cyano, halo, hydroxyl, nitro, thio, alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy,sulfinyl, sulfonyl and formyl. Heteroaryl may be directly attached, orconnected via a C₁₋₃alkyl group (also referred to as heteroaralkyl). Theforegoing heteroaryl groups, as derived from the compounds listed above,may be C-attached or N-attached where such is possible.

The term “C_(5-n)heteroaryl”, wherein n is an integer from 5 to 14,refers to an heteroaryl group having from 5 to the indicated “n” numberof atoms, including carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur atoms. TheC_(5-n)heteroaryl can be mono or polycyclic.

The term “amino acid” refers to an organic acid containing an aminogroup. The term includes both naturally occurring and synthetic aminoacids; therefore, the amino group can be but is not required to be,attached to the carbon next to the acid. A C-coupled amino acidsubstituent is attached to the heteroatom (nitrogen or oxygen) of theparent molecule via its carboxylic acid function. C-coupled amino acidforms an ester with the parent molecule when the heteroatom is oxygen,and an amide when the heteroatom is nitrogen. Examples of amino acidsinclude, without limitation, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine,proline, phenylalanine, tryptophan, methionine, glycine, serine,threonine, cysteine, asparagine, glutamine, tyrosine, histidine, lysine,arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, desmosine, ornithine,2-aminobutyric acid, cyclohexylalanine, dimethylglycine, phenylglycine,norvaline, norleucine, hydroxylysine, allo-hydroxylysine,hydroxyproline, isodesmosine, allo-isoleucine, ethylglycine,beta-alanine, aminoadipic acid, aminobutyric acid, ethyl asparagine, andN-methyl amino acids. Amino acids can be pure L or D isomers or mixturesof L and D isomers.

The compounds of the present invention can possess one or moreasymmetric carbon atoms and can exist as optical isomers formingmixtures of racemic or non-racemic compounds. The compounds of thepresent invention are useful as single isomers or as a mixture ofstereochemical isomeric forms. Diastereoisomers, i.e., nonsuperimposablestereochemical isomers, can be separated by conventional means such aschromatography, distillation, crystallization or sublimation. Theoptical isomers can be obtained by resolution of the racemic mixturesaccording to conventional processes, including chiral chromatography(e.g. HPLC), immunoassay techniques, or the use of covalently (e.g.Mosher's esters) or non-covalently (e.g. chiral salts) bound chiralreagents to respectively form a diastereomeric ester or salt, which canbe further separated by conventional methods, such as chromatography,distillation, crystallization or sublimation. The chiral ester or saltis then cleaved or exchanged by conventional means, to recover thedesired isomer(s).

The invention encompasses isolated or purified compounds. An “isolated”or “purified” compound refers to a compound which represents at least10%, 20%, 50%, 80% or 90% of the mixture by weight, provided that themixture comprising the compound of the invention has demonstrable (i.e.statistically significant) biological activity including cytostatic,cytotoxic, enzyme inhibitory or receptor binding action when tested inconventional biological assays known to a person skilled in the art.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to nontoxic saltssynthesized from a compound which contains a basic or acidic moiety byconventional chemical methods. Generally, such salts can be prepared byreacting the free acid or base forms of these compounds with astoichiometric amount of the appropriate base or acid in water or in anorganic solvent, or in a mixture of the two; generally, nonaqueous medialike ether, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, oracetonitrile are preferred. Another method for the preparation of saltsis by the use of ion exchange resins. The term “pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt” includes both acid addition salts and base additionsalts, either of the parent compound or of a prodrug or solvate thereof.The nature of the salt is not critical, provided that it ispharmaceutically acceptable. Exemplary acids used in acid addition saltsinclude, without limitation, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic,nitric, carbonic, sulfuric, sulfonic, phosphoric, formic, acetic,citric, tartaric, succinic, oxalic, malic, glutamic, propionic,glycolic, gluconic, maleic, embonic (pamoic), methanesulfonic,ethanesulfonic, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic, pantothenic, benzenesulfonic,toluenesulfonic, sulfanilic, mesylic, cyclohexylaminosulfonic, stearic,algenic, β-hydroxybutyric, malonic, galactaric, galacturonic acid andthe like. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable base addition saltsinclude, without limitation, metallic salts made from aluminium,calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc or organicsalts, such as those made from N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine,chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, ethylenediamine,N-methylglucamine, lysine, procaine and the like. Additional examples ofpharmaceutically acceptable salts are listed in Berge et al (1977),Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, vol 66, no 1, pp 1-19, the contentof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The term “solvate” refers to a physical association of a compound ofthis invention with one or more solvent molecules, whether organic orinorganic. This physical association includes hydrogen bonding. Incertain instances the solvate will be capable of isolation, for examplewhen one or more solvent molecules are incorporated in the crystallattice of the crystalline solid. “Solvate” encompasses bothsolution-phase and isolable solvates. Exemplary solvates includehydrates, ethanolates, methanolates, hemiethanolates, and the like.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug” means anypharmaceutically acceptable ester, salt of an ester or any otherderivative of a compound of this invention, which upon administration toa recipient, is capable of providing, either directly or indirectly, acompound of this invention or a biologically active metabolite orresidue thereof. Particularly favored salts or prodrugs are those withimproved properties, such as solubility, efficacy, or bioavailability ofthe compounds of this invention when such compounds are administered toa mammal (e.g., by allowing an orally administered compound to be morereadily absorbed into the blood) or which enhance delivery of the parentcompound to a biological compartment (e.g., the brain or lymphaticsystem) relative to the parent species. As used herein, a prodrug is adrug having one or more functional groups covalently bound to a carrierwherein metabolic or chemical release of the drug occurs in vivo whenthe drug is administered to a mammalian subject. Pharmaceuticallyacceptable prodrugs of the compounds of this invention includederivatives of hydroxyl groups such as, without limitation,acyloxymethyl, acyloxyethyl and acylthioethyl ethers, esters, amino acidesters, phosphate esters, sulfonate and sulfate esters, and metal salts,and the like.

II. Compounds of the Invention

In one aspect, the invention relates to novel dibenzodiazepinoneanalogues, referred to herein as the compounds of the invention, and topharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and prodrugs thereof.

The compounds of the invention may be characterized as Compound 1 andderivatives of Compound 1, by chemical modifications as defined herein.Compounds 2 to 12, 14, 17, 18, 46, 63, 64, 67, 77, 78, 80, 82 to 85, 87,89, 92, 95 to 98, 100 to 103, 105 and 107-108 may be characterized byany one of their physicochemical and spectral properties, such as massand NMR, detailed in Example 4 through Example 9.

In another aspect, the invention relates to dibenzodiazepinoneanalogues, represented by Formula I:

wherein,

-   -   W¹, W² and W³ are each independently selected from        the chain from the tricycle terminates at W³ W² or W¹ with W³,        W² or W¹ respectively being either —CH═O, —CH(OC₁₋₆alkyl)₂,        —CH₂OH, —CH₂OC₁₋₆alkyl or C(O)OR⁷;    -   R¹ is selected from H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,        C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl,        C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C(O)H, C(O)C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkenyl,        C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C(O)C₆₋₁₀aryl, C(O)C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl,        C(O)C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl; C(O)C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl or a C-coupled        amino acid;    -   R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently selected from H,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl,        C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C(O)H,        C(O)C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,        C(O)C₆₋₁₀aryl, C(O)C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, C(O)C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl;        C(O)C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl or a C-coupled amino acid;    -   R⁵ and R⁶ are each independently selected from H, OH,        OC₁₋₆alkyl, OC(O)C₁₋₆alkyl, NH₂, NHC₁₋₆alkyl, N(C₁₋₆alkyl)₂,        NHC(O)C₁₋₆alkyl;    -   R⁷ is selected from H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,        C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl and        C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl;    -   X¹, X², X³, X⁴ and X⁵ are each H; or    -   one of X¹, X², X³, X⁴ or X⁵ is halogen and the remaining ones        are H; and    -   wherein, when any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ comprises an        alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or        heterocycloalkyl group, then the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl,        heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl group is optionally        substituted with substituents selected from acyl, amino,        acylamino, acyloxy, carboalkoxy, carboxy, carboxyamido, cyano,        halo, hydroxyl, nitro, thio, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₇alkenyl,        C₂₋₇alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl,        C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, oxo,        guanidino and formyl;    -   with the proviso that when W¹, W² and W³ are all —CH═C(CH₃)—,        X¹, X², X³, X⁴ and X⁵ are all H, and R², R³ and R¹ are all H,        then R¹ is not H;    -   with the proviso that when W¹, W² and W³ are all —CH═C(CH₃)—,        X¹, X², X³, X⁴ and X⁵ are all H, and R¹ is H, then R², R³ and R⁴        are not all CH₃ or all C(O)CH₃;    -   with the proviso that when the chain from the tricycle        terminates at W¹ or w with W² or W¹ respectively being either        —CH═O, —CH(OC₁₋₆alkyl)₂, —CH₂OH, —CH₂OC₁₋₆alkyl or C(O)OR⁷, then        R¹ is H;        and an ester, ether, N-alkylated or N-acylated derivative, or a        pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.

In further aspect, the invention relates to dibenzodiazepinoneanalogues, represented by Formula II:

wherein,

-   -   R¹ is a linear C₁₋₁₀alkyl;    -   or a farnesyl derivative thereof, wherein said farnesyl        derivative has one, two or three hydrogenated or        hydroalkoxylated double bonds;        or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.

In one embodiment, R¹ is H, and all other groups are as previouslydisclosed. In another embodiment, R¹ is —CH₃, and all other groups areas previously disclosed. In another embodiment, R¹ is C₁₋₁₀alkyl, andall other groups are as previously disclosed. In a subclass of thisembodiment, the alkyl group is optionally substituted with a substituentselected from halo, fluoro, C₆₋₁₀aryl, and C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl. In anotherembodiment, R¹ is —C(O)C₁₋₁₀alkyl, and all other groups are aspreviously disclosed. In another embodiment, R² is H, and all othergroups are as previously disclosed. In another embodiment, R³ is H, andall other groups are as previously disclosed. In another embodiment, R⁴is H, and all other groups are as previously disclosed. In anotherembodiment, R², R³ and R⁴ are each H, and all other groups are aspreviously disclosed. In another embodiment, one of R², R³ and R⁴ isCH₃, the others being each H, and all other groups are as previouslydisclosed. In another embodiment, two of R², R³ and R⁴ are CH₃, theother being H, and all other groups are as previously disclosed. Inanother embodiment, R², R³ and R⁴ are each CH₃, and all other groups areas previously disclosed. In another embodiment, R², R³ and R are each H,and W¹ is —CH═C(CH₃)—, and all other groups are as previously disclosed.In another embodiment, R², R³ and R⁴ are each H, and W² is —CH═C(CH₃)—,and all other groups are as previously disclosed. In another embodiment,R², R³ and R⁴ are each H, and W³ is —CH═C(CH₃)—, and all other groupsare as previously disclosed. In another embodiment, R¹ is H and R², R³and R⁴ are each H, and all other groups are as previously disclosed. Inanother embodiment, R¹ is H, each of W¹, W², and W³ is —CH═C(CH₃)—, andall other groups are as previously disclosed. In another embodiment, R¹is H, each of W¹, W², and W³ is —CH₂CH(CH₃)—, and all other groups areas previously disclosed. In another embodiment, X¹ is Br, and each ofX², X³, X⁴ and X⁵ are H, and all other groups are as previouslydisclosed. In another embodiment, if each of W¹, W² and W³ are—CH═C(CH₃)—, and each of R², R³, and R⁴ are H, then R¹ is not H. Infurther embodiment, if each of W¹, W² and W³ are —CH═C(CH₃)—, and eachof R², R³, and R⁴ are H, then R¹ is not CH₃. In further embodiment, ifeach of W¹, W² and W³ are —CH═C(CH₃)—, and each of R², R³, and R⁴ are H,then R¹ is neither H nor CH₃. The invention encompasses all esters,ethers, N-alkylated or N-acylated derivatives, and pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts, solvates and prodrugs of the foregoing compounds.

The following are exemplary compounds of the invention, such namedcompounds are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in anyway:

and an ester, ether, N-alkylated or N-acylated derivative, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate of prodrug of any one ofCompounds 1 to 130.

The invention further provides ethers, esters, N-acylated andN-alkylated derivatives of any of the foregoing compounds.

Certain embodiments expressly exclude one or more of the compounds ofFormula I. In one embodiment, Compound 1 is excluded. In anotherembodiment, Compound 2 is excluded. In a further embodiment, bothCompound 1 and Compound 2 are excluded. In a further embodiment,Compound 8 and Compound 12 are excluded.

Prodrugs of the compounds of Formula I or II include compounds whereinone or more of the 4, 6 and 8-hydroxy groups, or any other hydroxylgroup on the molecule is bounded to any group that, when administered toa mammalian subject, is cleaved to form the free hydroxyl group.Examples of prodrugs include, but are not limited to, acetate, formate,hemisuccinate, benzoate, dimethylaminoacetate and phosphoryloxycarbonylderivatives of hydroxy functional groups; dimethylglycine esters,aminoalkylbenzyl esters, aminoalkyl esters or carboxyalkyl esters ofhydroxy functional groups. Carbamate and carbonate derivatives of thehydroxy groups are also included. Derivatizations of hydroxyl groupsalso encompassed, are (acyloxy)methyl and (acyloxy)ethyl ethers, whereinthe acyl group contains an alkyl group optionally substituted withgroups including, but not limited to, ether, amino and carboxylic acidfunctionalities, or where the acyl group is an amino acid ester. Alsoincluded are phosphate and phosphonate esters, sulfate esters, sulfonateesters, which are in alkylated (such as bis-pivaloyloxymethyl (POM)phosphate triester) or in the salt form (such as sodium phosphate ester(—P(O)O⁻ ₂Na⁺ ₂)). For further examples of prodrugs used in anticancertherapy and their metabolism, see Rooseboom et al (2004), Phamacol.Rev., vol 56, 53-102, incorporated herein by reference. When the prodrugcontains an acidic or basic moiety, the prodrug may also be prepared asits pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

The compounds of this invention may be formulated into pharmaceuticalcompositions comprised of a compound of Formula I or II, in combinationwith a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as discussed in Section IVbelow.

III. Methods of Producing Dibenzodiazepinone Analogues

A. Fermentation

The terms “farnesyl dibenzodiazepinone-producing microorganism” and“producer of farnesyl dibenzodiazepinone,” as used herein, refer to amicroorganism that carries genetic information necessary to produce afarnesyl dibenzodiazepinone compound, whether or not the organismnaturally produces the compound. The terms apply equally to organisms inwhich the genetic information to produce the farnesyl dibenzodiazepinonecompound is found in the organism as it exists in its naturalenvironment, and to organisms in which the genetic information isintroduced by recombinant techniques.

Compound is produced by isolation of the fermentation broth ofMicromonospora strains 046-ECO11 and [S01]046 as described in U.S. Ser.No. 10/762,107, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It isto be understood that the production of Compound 1 is not limited to theuse of the particular strains 046-ECO11 and [S01]046. Rather, otherECO-4601 producing organisms may be used, such as mutants or variants of046-ECO11 and [S01]046 that can be derived from this organism by knownmeans such as X-ray irradiation, ultraviolet irradiation, treatment withnitrogen mustard, phage exposure, antibiotic resistance selection andthe like; or through the use of recombinant genetic engineeringtechniques. For examples, see Manual of Industrial Microbiology andbiotechnology, Demain and Solomon, American Society for Microbiology,Washington D.C., 1986; Hesketh et al. (1997), J. Antibiotics, vol 50, no6, 532-535; and Hosoya et al. (1998), Antimicrobial Agents andChemotherapy, vol 42, no 8, 2041-2047), the content of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The farnesyl dibenzodiazepinone compound may be biosynthesized byvarious microorganisms. Microorganisms that may synthesize the farnesyldibenzodiazepinone compound include but are not limited to bacteria ofthe order Actinomycetales, also referred to as actinomycetes.Non-limiting examples of members belonging to the genera ofActinomycetes include Nocardia, Geodermatophilus, Actinoplanes,Micromonospora, Nocardioides, Saccharothrix, Amycolatopsis, Kutzneria,Saccharomonospora, Saccharopolyspora, Kitasatospora, Streptomyces,Microbispora, Streptosporangium, and Actinomadura. The taxonomy ofactinomycetes is complex and reference is made to Goodfellow,Suprageneric Classification of Actinomycetes (1989); Bergey's Manual ofSystematic Bacteriology, Vol. 4 (Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, pp.2322-2339); and to Embley and Stackebrandt, “The molecular phylogeny andsystematics of the actinomycetes,” Annu. Rev. Microbiol. (1994)48:257-289, for genera that may synthesize the compounds of theinvention. The content of which refrences is incorporated by referencein their entirety.

Farnesyl dibenzodiazepinone-producing microorganisms are cultivated inculture medium containing known nutritional sources for actinomycetes.Such media having assimilable sources of carbon, nitrogen, plus optionalinorganic salts and other known growth factors, at a pH of about 6 toabout 9. Suitable media include, without limitation, the growth mediaprovided in Table 1. Microorganisms are cultivated at incubationtemperatures of about 18° C. to about 400° C. for about 3 to about 40days. TABLE 1 Examples of Fermentation Media for Compound 1 ProductionComponent QB MA KH RM JA FA XX CL pH*¹ 7.2 7.5 7 6.85 7.3 7.0 7.0 7.0Glucose 12 10 10 10 Sucrose 100 Cane molasses 15 Corn starch 30 Solublestarch 10 25 Potato dextrin 20 40 20 20 Corn steep solid 5 Corn steepliquor 5 15 Dried yeast 2 Yeast extract 5 8.34 Malt extract 35Pharmamedia ™ 10 15 Glycerol 30 20 NZ-Amine A 5 10 Soybean powder 15Fish meal 10 Bacto-peptone 2.5 5 MgSO₄.7H₂O 1 CaCO₃ 4 1 2 2 3 2 NaCl 5(NH₄)₂ SO₄ 2 2 K₂ SO₄ 0.25 MgCl₂.6H₂O 10 Na₂HPO₄ 3 Casamino acid 0.1Proflo oil ™ (mL/L) 4 0.05 Silicon defoamer 0.3 oil (mL/L) MOPS 21 Traceelement 2 solution*² ml/LUnless otherwise indicated all the ingredients are in g/L.*¹The pH is to adjusted as marked prior to the addition of CaCO₃.*²Trace elements solution contains: ZnCl₂ 40 mg; Fe Cl₃ 6H₂O (200 mg);CuCl₂ 2H₂O (10 mg); MnCl₂.4H₂O; Na₂B₄O₇.10H₂O (10 mg); (NH₄)₆MO₇O₂₄.4H₂O (10 mg) per litre.

The culture media inoculated with a farnesy dibenzodiazepinone-producingmicroorganism may be aerated by incubating the inoculated culture mediawith agitation, for example, shaking on a rotary shaker, a shaking waterbath, or in a fermentor. Aeration may also be achieved by the injectionof air, oxygen or an appropriate gaseous mixture to the inoculatedculture media during incubation. Following cultivation, the farnesyldibenzodiazepinone compound can be extracted and isolated from thecultivated culture media by techniques known to a person skilled in theart and/or disclosed herein, including for example centrifugation,chromatography, adsorption, filtration. For example, the cultivatedculture media can be optionally acidified and mixed with a suitableorganic solvent such as methanol, ethanol, n-butanol, ethyl acetate,n-butyl acetate or 4-methyl-2-pentanone. The organic layer can beseparated from the mycelial cake for example, by centrifugation anddecantation or filtration. The mycelial cake is further optionallyextracted with an organic solvent, and the organic extracts combined.The organic layer is further optionally treated, for example by: aqueouswashings, precipitation, filtration and the like, followed the removalof the solvent, for example, by evaporation to dryness under vacuum. Theresulting residue can optionally be reconstituted with for examplewater, ethyl ether, ethanol, ethyl acetate, methanol or a mixturethereof, and re-extracted in a two-phase system with a suitable organicsolvent such as hexane, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride or amixture thereof. After removal of the solvent, the compound can befurther purified by the use of standard techniques such as normal andreverse-phase liquid chromatography, crystallization, sublimation,adsorption, mass exclusion chromatography, and the like.

B. Chemical Modifications:

The farnesyl dibenzodiazepinone Compound 1 is biosynthesized bymicroorganisms and isolated as described herein, and in Canadian patent2,466,340. Compound 1 is subjected to random and/or directed chemicalmodifications to form compounds that are derivatives or structuralanalogues. Such derivatives or structural analogues having similarfunctional activities are within the scope of the present invention. Thefarnesyl dibenzodiazepinone may be modified by one or more chemicalmodification steps, using methods known in the art and described herein.Examples of chemical modifications procedures are also provided inExamples 4 to 9 and Example 15.

Dibenzodiazepinone analogues that are derivatives of Compound 1, forexample those identified herein as the compounds of Formula I and II andtheir derivatives, and Compounds 2 to 130, are generated by standardorganic chemistry approaches. General principles of organic chemistryrequired for making and manipulating the compounds described herein,including functional moieties, reactivity and common protocols aredescribed, for example, in “Advanced Organic Chemistry,” 4^(th) Editionby Jerry March (1992), Wiley-Interscience, USA, incorporated herein byreference in its entirety. In addition, it will be appreciated by one ofordinary skill in the art that the synthetic methods described hereinmay use a variety of protecting groups, whether or not they areexplicitly described. A “protecting group” as used herein means a moietyused to block one or more functional moieties such as reactive groupsincluding oxygen, sulfur or nitrogen, so that a reaction can be carriedout selectively at another reactive site in a polyfunctional compound.General principles for the use of protective groups, their applicabilityto specific functional groups and their uses are described for examplein T. H. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, Protective Groups in OrganicSynthesis, 3^(rd) Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York (1999),incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Alcohols and phenols are protected with, for example: silyl ethers (TMS:trimethylsilyl, TIPS: truisopropylsilyl), acetals (MOM: methyloxymethyl,BOM: benzyloxymethyl), esters (acetate, benzoyl) and ethers (Bn:benzyl). Alcohols are deprotected by conditions such as: TBAF(tetrabutylammonium fluoride) for silyl ethers, aqueous acid catalysisfor acetals and esters, saponification for esters, and hydrogenolysisfor Bn and BOM. Amine is protected using standard amino acid protectinggroups, for example, carbamates (such as t-butyl (BOC) and benzyl(CBZ)), fluorene derivatives (such as FMOC:N-(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-), etc. Amine is deprotected byconditions such as: acid hydrolysis for BOC, hydrogenolysis for CBZ, orbase treatment for FMOC. All protection and deprotection conditions aredemonstrated in the Greene et al reference above.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many syntheticchemical processes may be used to produce derivatives of Compound 1. Thefollowing schemes are exemplary of the routine chemical modificationsthat may be used to produce compounds of Formula I or II. Any chemicalsynthetic process known to a person skilled in the art providing thestructures described herein may be used and are therefore comprised inthe present invention.

wherein, R′ and R″ are each selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl; or R″C(O)— is HC(O)—or a C-coupled amino acid.

In Scheme 1, Phenols in positions 4, 6 and 8 (for position numbers, seeExample 3) are independently alkylated (to produce an ether) or acylated(to produced an ester). In Scheme 1 (a), allkylation is accomplishedwith an alkylating agent such as R′X is a diazoalkane, or with a R′Xreagent, wherein X is a suitable leaving group such as Br, I andtrifluoromethane sulfonate in the presence of a base, preferably, adiazoalkane is used. When R′ is aryl or heteroaryl, the reaction mayfurther need the use of a catalyst, such as copper salts (Ullman ethersynthesis, Jerry March, supra). In Scheme 1 (b), a phenolic alcohol isconverted to ester when reacted with an activated carboxylic acid(R″C(O)X) such as an acid halide, anhydride, N-hydroxysuccinimide ester,or a carboxylic acid activated by a coupling agent (e.g.: EDC(1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-diisopropylethylcarbodiimidehydrochloride); or HATU(O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate)) with a base (e.g., pyridine orN,N-diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA)) and optional acatalysts such HOBt(1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate) and/or DMAP(4-(dimethylamino)pyridine). The same reactions may be accomplished onalcohols formed by farnesyl modification reactions (Scheme 3).

Scheme 1 is used to obtain, for example, Compounds 4 to 12, 35 to 39 and105 to 113 from Compound 1, and Compound 15 from Compound 13; and toproduce any of the Compounds of Formula I or II comprising an G-alkyl orO-acyl group.

wherein, R is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl,heterocycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl; or RC(O)— is HC(O)— or aC-coupled amino acid.

In Scheme 2, amine group in position 5 (for position, see Example 3) isoptionally alkylated or acylated. In Scheme 2(a), an amine is alkylatedusing an RX alkylating agent such as dialkyl sulfates and alkyl halides,preferably in the presence of a base (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, pyridineand the like). When R is an aryl or a heteroaryl group, the alkylationreaction with an aryl iodide may further need a catalyst, such as copper(for an example, see Plater et al. 2000, J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans. 1,2695-2701, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.). In Scheme2(b), an amine is acylated when reacted with an activated carboxylicacid such as an acid halide, anhydride, N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, or acarboxylic acid activated by a coupling agent (see Scheme 1) in thepresence of a base like DIPEA, and optional use of a catalyst, such asDMAP or HOBt.

Scheme 2 is used to prepare, for example, Compounds 2, 3, 13, 14, 60 to77, 98, and 101 to 104 from Compound 1, Compound 78 from Compound 46,and Compounds 99 and 100 respectively from Compounds 42 and 45; and toproduce any of the Compounds of Formula I or II comprising an N-alkyl orN-acyl group.

wherein R^(x) and R^(y) are each selected from H, OH and OC₁₋₆alkyl,provided that at least one of R^(x) or R^(y) is OH; R^(z) is selectedfrom halogen, OH, OC₁₋₆alkyl, and NHC(O)C₁₋₆ alkyl.

In Scheme 3, double bond is modified by: (a) epoxidation; (b) epoxidering opening (dihydroxylation, hydration, or hydroxyalkoxylationproduct) (c) direct dihydroxylation, hydration, or hydroxyalkoxylation;(d) hydrogenation; (e) electrophilic addition; (f) ozonolysis; (g)hydrolysis of the acetal produced in (f); and (h) reduction of thealdehyde produced in (g). In (a), epoxides are obtained from thereaction of double bonds with oxidizing agents such as peracids (e.g.,mCPBA: 4-chloroperbenzoic acid). In (b), the epoxide obtained in (a) isopened by nucleophiles. In basic conditions epoxides will preferentiallyopen to give the residual OH at the most hindered position (R^(y)). Inacidic conditions, the compound having the residual OH at the R^(x)position will be formed as the major product. In (b), the diol(dihydroxylation product: R^(x) and R^(y) are each OH) is obtained fromhydrolysis of the epoxide in acidic or basic aqueous conditions,preferably acidic. In (b), also alcoholysis of the epoxide(hydroxyalkoxylation product) is accomplished in basic (R^(x) isOC₁₋₆alkyl and R^(y) is OH, as major) or acidic (R^(x) is OH and R^(y)is OC₁₋₆alkyl, as major) conditions in a C₁₋₆alkyl alcohol as solvent,preferably acidic conditions. In (b), hydration product (R^(x) is H andR^(y) is OH, as the major component) is obtained from the opening of theepoxide by a hydride source (e.g. lithium aluminium hydride (LAH)). In(c), the diol (R^(x) and R^(y) are each OH) is obtained from thedihydroxylation of the double bond in oxidizing conditions (e.g.: osmiumtetroxide, potassium permanganate, N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide, and thelike). In (c), hydration product (R^(x) is OH and R^(y) is H, as major)is obtained from the oxidative cleavage (NaOH/hydrogen peroxide) of theintermediate formed by hydroboration of the double bond (e.g., using9-BBN (9-borabicyclo[3,3,1]nonane), and the like). In (d), hydrogenationis carried out using a hydrogen source (e.g. hydrogen, formic acid) anda catalyst (such as rhodium, platinum, or palladium). In (e),electrophilic addition to the double bond is achieved by the formationof a carbocation from addition of a proton in acidic conditions (e.g.,p-toluene sulfonic acid, alkyl sulfate/NaHCO₃/MeOH, and the like), andtrapping of the carbocation with an alcohol (C₁₋₆alkyl alcohol,hydroalkoxylation), water (hydration) or another electron rich atom(e.g., an halogen or a nitrile, which is subsequently hydrolyzed to givean amide). In (f), an acetal is obtained by the reaction of the doublebond with a controlled quantity of ozone and the use of a dialkylsulfide (e.g., Me₂S) to decompose the ozonide at the end. When theozonolysis is done in an alcohol, e.g. methanol, the dialkyl actetal isobtained. In (g), an aldehyde is obtained by the hydrolysis of theacetal obtained in (f). In (h), the aldehyde obtained from (g) isreduced to alcohol by a reducing agent [H] such as sodium borohydride(NaBH₄), sodium cyanoborohydride (NaBH₃CN) or LAH.

Scheme 3 is used to obtain, for example: in (a) Compounds 16 fromCompound 1, and Compounds 23, 24 and 26 from Compound 42, Compounds 25,27 and 29 from Compound 41, Compounds 28, 30 and 31 from Compound 40,and Compounds 32, 33 and 34 respectively from Compounds 45, 44 and 43;in (b) Compounds 53 to 59 respectively from Compounds 16 to 22; in (c)Compounds 53 to 59 from Compound 1; in (d) Compounds 40 to 46 fromCompound 1, and Compounds 78, 99 and 100 from Compound 2; in (e)Compounds 79 to 81 from Compound 2, Compounds 82 to 84 and 88 to 93 fromCompound 1, Compounds 85 to 87 from Compound 14; in (f) Compounds 94 to96 from Compound 1; in (g) Compounds 47, 49 and 51 from Compound 1; andin (h) Compounds 48, 50 and 52 respectively from Compounds 47, 49 and51. Schemes 3 (a)-(g) are also used to produce any Compound of Formula Ior II comprising a modified farnesyl group.

wherein, X is selected from F, Cl, Br and I.

In Scheme 4, the aryl group is modified (when one of X¹ to X⁵ is halo inFormula I or II) by aromatic substitutions, such as halogenation,including bromination, chlorination, fluorination, and iodination.Halogenating agents include bromine, N-haloamides (e.g,N-bromosuccinimide (NBS), tetraalkylammonium polyhalides), chlorine,chlorinated cyclohexadienes, N-chloroamines, chlorodimethylsulfoniumchloride, sulfur monochloride/aluminum chloride/thionyl chloride, iodinechloride, iodine/oxidizing agent (e.g, nitric acid, iodic acid, sulfurtrioxide, etc), silver(II) fluoride, cesium fluoroxysulfate, and thelike.

Scheme 4 is used to prepare, for example, Compound 97 from Compound 1and Compound 123 from Compound 78; and to produce any of the Compoundsof Formula I or II comprising a halogen group on the aromatic ring.

Prodrugs are prepared by routine chemical modifications such asdescribed in Jerry March, supra, including esterification and alkylationreactions, i.e., use of activated acids or mixed anhydrides (acylhalides, use of coupling reagents, etc), and by the use of alkylatingagents (R—X, wherein X is a leaving group, such as diazo, and R is thedesired group). Phosphate prodrugs are prepared by phosphorylation, forexample, by a procedure such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,122(Pettit et al) and in Hwang and Cole (2004), Org. Lett., vol 6, no10,1555-1556 ((POM)₂phosphate triester from (POM)₂phosphoryl chloride),the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

IV. Pharmaceutical Compositions Comprising the Compounds of theInvention

The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising acompound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate orprodrug thereof, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier. The pharmaceutical composition comprising a dibenzodiazepinoneanalogue is useful for treating diseases and disorders associated withuncontrolled cellular growth and proliferation, such as a neoplasticcondition. The pharmaceutical composition is also useful in treatingother diseases and disorders, including inflammation, autoimmunediseases, infections, neurodegenerative diseases and stress. Thepharmaceutical composition comprising a dibenzodiazepinone analogue maybe packaged into a convenient commercial package providing the necessarymaterials, such as the pharmaceutical composition and writteninstructions for its use in treating a neoplastic condition, in asuitable container.

The compounds of the present invention, or pharmaceutically acceptablesalts, solvates or prodrugs thereof, can be formulated for oral,sublingual, intranasal, intraocular, rectal, transdermal, mucosal,topical or parenteral administration for the therapeutic or prophylactictreatment of neoplastic and proliferative diseases and disorders.Parenteral modes of administration include without limitation,intradermal, subcutaneous (s.c., s.q., sub-Q, Hypo), intramuscular(i.m.), intravenous (i.v.), intraperitoneal (i.p.), intra-arterial,intramedulary, intracardiac, intra-articular (joint), intrasynovial(joint fluid area), intracerebral or intracranial, intraspinal,intracisternal, and intrathecal (spinal fluids). Any known device usefulfor parenteral injection or infusion of drug formulations can be used toeffect such administration. For oral and/or parental administration,compounds of the present invention can be mixed with conventionalpharmaceutical carriers and excipients and used in the form ofsolutions, emulsions, tablets, capsules, soft gels, elixirs,suspensions, syrups, wafers and the like. The compositions comprising acompound of the present invention will contain from about 0.1% to about99.9%, about 1% to about 98%, about 5% to about 95%, about 10% to about80% or about 15% to about 60% by weight of the active compound.

The pharmaceutical preparations disclosed herein are prepared inaccordance with standard procedures and are administered at dosages thatare selected to reduce, prevent, or eliminate cancer. (See, e.g.,Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company, Easton,Pa.; and Goodman and Gilman, Pharmaceutical Basis of Therapeutics,Pergamon Press, New York, N.Y., the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference, for a general description of the methods foradministering various agents for human therapy).

As used herein, the term “unit dosage” refers to physically discreteunits suitable as unitary dosages for human subjects and other mammals,each unit containing a predetermined quantity of dibenzodiazepinoneanalogue calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect, inassociation with a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. In oneembodiment, the unit dosage contains from 10 to 3000 mg of activeingredient. In another embodiment, the unit dosage contains 20 to 1000mg of active ingredient. The compositions of the present invention canbe delivered using controlled (e.g., capsules) or sustained releasedelivery systems (e.g., bioerodable matrices). Exemplary delayed releasedelivery systems for drug delivery that are suitable for administrationof the compositions of the invention are described in U.S. Pat. No.4,452,775 (issued to Kent), U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,660 (issued to Leonard),and U.S. Pat. No. 3,854,480 (issued to Zaffaroni), incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

The pharmaceutically-acceptable compositions of the present inventioncomprise one or more compounds of the present invention in associationwith one or more non-toxic, pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers and/ordiluents and/or adjuvants and/or excipients, collectively referred toherein as “carrier” materials, and if desired other active ingredients.Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, for example, solvents,vehicles or medium such as saline, buffered saline, dextrose, water,glycerol, ethanol, propylene glycol, polysorbate 80 (Tween-80™),poly(ethylene) glycol 300 and 400 (PEG 300 and 400), PEGylated castoroil (E.g. Cremophor EL), poloxamer 407 and 188, hydrophobic carriers,and combinations thereof. Hydrophobic carriers include, for example, fatemulsions, lipids, PEGylated phopholids, polymer matrices, biocompatiblepolymers, lipospheres, vesicles, particles, and liposomes. The termspecifically excludes cell culture medium.

Excipients or additives included in a formulation have differentpurposes depending, for example on the nature of the drug, and the modeof administration. Examples of generally used excipients include,without limitation: stabilizing agents, solubilizing agents andsurfactants, buffers, antioxidants and preservatives, tonicity agents,bulking agents, lubricating agents, emulsifiers, suspending or viscosityagents, inert diluents, fillers, disintegrating agents, binding agents,wetting agents, lubricating agents, antibacterials, chelating agents,sweetners, perfuming agents, flavouring agents, coloring agents,administration aids, and combinations thereof.

The compositions may contain common carriers and excipients, such ascornstarch or gelatin, lactose, sucrose, microcrystalline cellulose,kaolin, mannitol, dicalcium phosphate, sodium chloride and alginic acid.The compositions may contain crosarmellose sodium, microcrystallinecellulose, sodium starch glycolate and alginic acid.

Formulations for parenteral administration can be in the form of aqueousor non-aqueous isotonic sterile injection solutions, suspensions or fatemulsions, comprising a compound of this invention, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof. The parenteral formused for injection must be fluid to the extent that easy syringabilityexists. These solutions or suspensions can be prepared from sterileconcentrated liquids, powders or granules. The compounds can bedissolved in a carrier such as a solvent or vehicle, for example,polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethanol, corn oil, benzylalcohol, glycofurol, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone,glycerine, saline, dextrose, water, glycerol, hydrophobic carriers, andcombinations thereof.

Excipients used in parenteral preparations also include, withoutlimitation, stabilizing agents (e.g. carbohydrates, amino acids andpolysorbates), solubilizing agents (e.g. cetrimide, sodium docusate,glyceryl monooleate, polyvinylpyrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol(PEG)) and surfactants (e.g. polysorbates, tocopherol PEG succinate,poloxamer and Cremophor™), buffers (e.g. acetates, citrates, phosphates,tartrates, lactates, succinates, amino acids and the like), antioxidantsand preservatives (e.g. BHA, BHT, gentisic acids, vitamin E, ascorbicacid and sulfur containing agents such as sulfites, bisulfites,metabisulfites, thioglycerols, thioglycolates and the like), tonicityagents (for adjusting physiological compatibility), suspending orviscosity agents, antibacterials (e.g. thimersol, benzethonium chloride,benzalkonium chloride, phenol, cresol and chlorobutanol), chelatingagents, and administration aids (e.g. local anesthetics,anti-inflammatory agents, anti-clotting agents, vaso-constrictors forprolongation and agents that increase tissue permeability), andcombinations thereof.

Parenteral formulations using hydrophobic carriers include, for example,fat emulsions and formulations containing lipids, lipospheres, vesicles,particles and liposomes. Fat emulsions include in addition to theabove-mentioned excipients, a lipid and an aqueous phase, and additivessuch as emulsifiers (e.g. phospholipids, poloxamers, polysorbates, andpolyoxyethylene castor oil), and osmotic agents (e.g. sodium chloride,glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol and glucose). Liposomes include natural orderived phospholipids and optionally stabilizing agents such ascholesterol.

In another embodiment, the parenteral unit dosage form of the compoundcan be a ready-to-use solution of the compound in a suitable carrier insterile, hermetically sealed ampoules or in sterile pre-loaded syringes.The suitable carrier optionally comprises any of the above-mentionedexcipients.

Alternatively, the unit dosage of the compound of the present inventioncan be in a concentrated liquid, powder or granular form for ex temporereconstitution in the appropriate pharmaceutically acceptable carrier atthe time of delivery. In addition the above-mentioned excipients, powderforms optionally include bulking agents (e.g. mannitol, glycine,lactose, sucrose, trehalose, dextran, hydroxyethyl starch, ficoll andgelatin), and cryo or lyoprotectants.

For example, in intravenous (IV) use, a sterile formulation of thecompound of formula I and optionally one or more additives, includingsolubilizers or surfactants, can be dissolved or suspended in any of thecommonly used intravenous fluids and administered by infusion.Intravenous fluids include, without limitation, physiological saline,phosphate buffered saline, 5% glucose or Ringer's™ solution.

In another example, in intramuscular preparations, a sterile formulationof the compound of the present invention or suitable soluble salts orprodrugs forming the compound, can be dissolved and administered in apharmaceutical diluent such as Water-for-Injection (WFI), physiologicalsaline or 5% glucose. A suitable insoluble form of the compound may beprepared and administered as a suspension in an aqueous base or apharmaceutically acceptable oil base, e.g. an ester of a long chainfatty acid such as ethyl oleate.

For oral use, solid formulations such as tablets and capsules areparticularly useful. Sustained released or enterically coatedpreparations may also be devised. For pediatric and geriatricapplications, suspension, syrups and chewable tablets are especiallysuitable. For oral administration, the pharmaceutical compositions arein the form of, for example, tablets, capsules, suspensions or liquidsyrups or elixirs, wafers and the like. For general oral administration,excipient or additives include, but are not limited to inert diluents,fillers, disintegrating agents, binding agents, wetting agents,lubricating agents, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, coloring agentsand preservatives.

The oral pharmaceutical composition is preferably made in the form of aunit dosage containing a therapeutically-effective amount of the activeingredient. Examples of such dosage units are tablets and capsules. Fortherapeutic purposes, the tablets and capsules which can contain, inaddition to the active ingredient, conventional carriers such as: inertdiluents (e.g., sodium and calcium carbonate, sodium and calciumphosphate, and lactose), binding agents (e.g., acacia gum, starch,gelatin, sucrose, polyvinylpyrrolidone (Providone), sorbitol, ortragacanth methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and ethylcellulose), fillers (e.g., calcium phosphate,glycine, lactose, maize-starch, sorbitol, or sucrose), lubricants orlubricating agents (e.g., magnesium stearate or other metallicstearates, stearic acid, polyethylene glycol, waxes, oils, silica andcolloical silica, silicon fluid or talc), disintegrants ordisintegrating agents (e.g., potato starch, corn starch and alginicacid), flavouring, coloring agents, or acceptable wetting agents.Carriers may also include coating excipients such as glycerylmonostearate or glyceryl distearate, to delay absorption in thegastrointestinal tract.

Oral liquid preparations, generally in the form of aqueous or oilysolutions, suspensions, emulsions, syrups or elixirs, may containconventional additives such as suspending agents, emulsifying agents,non-aqueous agents, preservatives, coloring agents and flavoring agents.Examples of additives for liquid preparations include acacia, almondoil, ethyl alcohol, fractionated coconut oil, gelatin, glucose syrup,glycerin, hydrogenated edible fats, lecithin, methyl cellulose, methylor propyl para-hydroxybenzoate, propylene glycol, sorbitol, or sorbicacid.

For both liquid and solid oral preparations, flavoring agents such aspeppermint, oil of wintergreen, cherry, grape, fruit flavoring or thelike can also be used. It may also be desirable to add a coloring agentto make the dosage form more aesthetic in appearance or to help identifythe product. For topical use the compounds of present invention can alsobe prepared in suitable forms to be applied to the skin, or mucusmembranes of the nose and throat, and can take the form of creams,ointments, liquid sprays or inhalants, lozenges, or throat paints. Suchtopical formulations further can include chemical compounds such asdimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to facilitate surface penetration of the activeingredient. For application to the eyes or ears, the compounds of thepresent invention can be presented in liquid or semi-liquid formformulated in hydrophobic or hydrophilic bases as ointments, creams,lotions, paints or powders. For rectal administration the compounds ofthe present invention can be administered in the form of suppositoriesadmixed with conventional carriers such as cocoa butter, wax or otherglyceride.

V. Medical Use in the Treatment of Neoplasms

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for inhibiting growthand/or proliferation of cancer cells in a mammal. In another aspect, theinvention provides a method for treating neoplasms in a mammal. Mammalsinclude ungulates (e.g. sheeps, goats, cows, horses, pigs), andnon-ungulates, including rodents, felines, canines and primates (i.e.human and non-human primates). In a preferred embodiment, the mammal isa human.

The dibenzodiazepinone analogues of the present invention may bind to orinteract with other cancer-associated proteins and polypeptides,including, without limitation, polypeptides encoded by oncogenes,polypeptides that induce angiogenesis, proteins involved inmetastasizing and/or invasive processes, and proteases that regulateapoptosis and the cell cycle. Regardless of the mechanism of action, thedibenzodiazepinone analogues of the invention have been demonstrated toexhibit anti-cancer activity both in vitro and in vivo. Based on thesediscoveries, applicants have developed methods for treating neoplasms.

As used herein, the terms “neoplasm”, “neoplastic disorder”, “neoplasia”“cancer,” “tumor” and “proliferative disorder” refer to cells having thecapacity for autonomous growth, i.e., an abnormal state of conditioncharacterized by rapidly proliferating cell growth which generally formsa distinct mass that show partial or total lack of structuralorganization and functional coordination with normal tissue. The termsare meant to encompass hematopoietic neoplasms (e.g. lymphomas orleukemias) as well as solid neoplasms (e.g. sarcomas or carcinomas),including all types of pre-cancerous and cancerous growths, or oncogenicprocesses, metastatic tissues or malignantly transformed cells, tissues,or organs, irrespective of histopathologic type or stage ofinvasiveness. Hematopoietic neoplasms are malignant tumors affectinghematopoietic structures (structures pertaining to the formation ofblood cells) and components of the immune system, including leukemias(related to leukocytes (white blood cells) and their precursors in theblood and bone marrow) arising from myeloid, lymphoid or erythroidlineages, and lymphomas (relates to lymphocytes). Solid neoplasmsinclude sarcomas, which are malignant neoplasms that originate fromconnective tissues such as muscle, cartilage, blood vessels, fibroustissue, fat or bone. Solid neoplasms also include carcinomas, which aremalignant neoplasms arising from epithelial structures (includingexternal epithelia (e.g., skin and linings of the gastrointestinaltract, lungs, and cervix), and internal epithelia that line variousglands (e.g., breast, pancreas, thyroid). Examples of neoplasms that areparticularly susceptible to treatment by the methods of the inventioninclude leukemia, and hepatocellular cancers, sarcoma, vascularendothelial cancers, breast carcers, central nervous system cancers(e.g. astrocytoma, gliosarcoma, neuroblastoma, oligodendroglioma andglioblastoma), prostate cancers, lung and bronchus cancers, larynxcancers, esophagus cancers, colon cancers, colorectal cancers,gastro-intestinal cancers, melanomas, ovarian and endometrial cancer,renal and bladder cancer, liver cancer, endocrine cancer (e.g. thyroid),and pancreatic cancer.

The dibenzodiazepinone analogue is brought into contact with orintroduced into a cancerous cell or tissue. In general, the methods ofthe invention for delivering the compositions of the invention in vivoutilize art-recognized protocols for delivering therapeutic agents withthe only substantial procedural modification being the substitution ofthe dibenzodiazepinone analogue of the present invention for thetherapeutic agent in the art-recognized protocols. The route by whichthe dibenzodiazepinone analogue is administered, as well as theformulation, carrier or vehicle will depend on the location as well asthe type of the neoplasm. A wide variety of administration routes can beemployed. The dibenzodiazepinone analogue may be administered byintravenous or intraperitoneal infusion or injection. For example, for asolid neoplasm that is accessible, the compound of the invention may beadministered by injection directly into the neoplasm. For ahematopoietic neoplasm the compound may be administered intravenously orintravascularly. For neoplasms that are not easily accessible within thebody, such as metastases or brain tumors, the compound may beadministered in a manner such that it can be transported systemicallythrough the body of the mammal and thereby reach the neoplasm anddistant metastases for example intrathecally, intravenously orintramuscularly or orally. Alternatively, the compound can beadministered directly to the tumor. The compound can also beadministered subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, topically (for examplefor melanoma), rectally (for example colorectal neoplasm) vaginally (forexample for cervical or vaginal neoplasm), nasally or by inhalationspray (for example for lung neoplasm).

The dibenzodiazepinone analogue is administered in an amount that issufficient to inhibit the growth or proliferation of a neoplastic cell,or to treat a neoplastic disorder. The term “inhibition” refers tosuppression, killing, stasis, or destruction of cancer cells. Theinhibition of mammalian cancer cell growth according to this method canbe monitored in several ways. Cancer cells grown in vitro can be treatedwith the compound and monitored for growth or death relative to the samecells cultured in the absence of the compound. A cessation of growth ora slowing of the growth rate (i.e., the doubling rate), e.g., by 50% ormore at 100 micromolar, is indicative of cancer cell inhibition (seeAnticancer Drug Development Guide: preclinical screening, clinicaltrials and approval; B. A. Teicher and P. A. Andrews, ed., 2004, HumanaPress, Totowa, N.J.). Alternatively, cancer cell inhibition can bemonitored by administering the compound to an animal model of the cancerof interest. Examples of experimental non-human animal cancer models areknown in the art and described below and in the examples herein. Acessation of tumor growth (i.e., no further increase in size) or areduction in tumor size (i.e., tumor volume by least a 58%) in animalstreated with the compound relative to tumors in control animals nottreated with the compound is indicative of significant tumor growthinhibition (see Anticancer Drug Development Guide: preclinicalscreening, clinical trials and approval; B. A. Teicher and P. A.Andrews, ed., 2004, Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.).

The term “treatment” refers to the application or administration of adibenzodiazepinone analogue to a mammal, or application oradministration of a dibenzodiazepinone analogue to an isolated tissue orcell line from a mammal, who has a neoplastic disorder, a symptom of aneoplastic disorder or a predisposition toward a neoplastic disorder,with the purpose to cure, heal, alleviate, relieve, alter, ameliorate,improve, or control the disorder, the symptoms of disorder, or thepredisposition toward disorder. The term “treating” is defined asadministering, to a mammal, an amount of a dibenzodiazepinone analoguesufficient to result in the prevention, reduction or elimination ofneoplastic cells in a mammal (“therapeutically effective amount”). Thetherapeutically effective amount and timing of dosage will be determinedon an individual basis and may be based, at least in part, onconsideration of the age, body weight, sex, diet and general health ofthe recipient subject, on the nature and severity of the diseasecondition, and on previous treatments and other diseases present. Otherfactors also include the route and frequency of administration, theactivity of the administered compound, the metabolic stability, lengthof action and excretion of the compound, drug combination, the toleranceof the recipient subject to the compound and the type of neoplasm orproliferative disorder. In one embodiment, a therapeutically effectiveamount of the compound is in the range of about 0.01 to about 750 mg/kgof body weight of the mammal. In another embodiment, the therapeuticallyeffective amount is in the range of about 0.01 to about 300 mg/kg bodyweight per day. In yet another embodiment, the therapeutically effectiveamount is in the range of 10 to about 50 mg/kg body weight per day. Thetherapeutically effective doses of the above embodiments may also beexpressed in milligrams per square meter (mg/m²) in the case of a humanpatient. Conversion factors for different mammalian species may be foundin:Freireich et al, Quantitative comparison of toxicity of anticanceragents in mouse, rat, dog, monkey and man, Cancer Chemoth. Report, 1966,50(4): 219-244, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Whenspecial requirements may be needed (e.g. for children patients), thetherapeutically effective doses described above may be outside theranges stated herein. Such higher or lower doses are within the scope ofthe present invention.

To monitor the efficacy of tumor treatment in a human, tumor size and/ortumor morphology is measured before and after initiation of thetreatment, and treatment is considered effective if either the tumorsize ceases further growth, or if the tumor is reduced in size, e.g., byat least 10% or more (e.g., 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% oreven 100%, that is, the absence of the tumor). Prolongation of survival,time-to-disease progression, partial response and objective responserate are surrogate measures of clinical activity of the investigationalagent. Tumor shrinkage is considered to be one treatment-specificresponse. This system is limited by the requirement that patients havevisceral masses that are amenable to accurate measurement. Methods ofdetermining the size of a tumor in vivo vary with the type of tumor, andinclude, for example, various imaging techniques well known to those inthe medical imaging or oncology fields (MRI, CAT, PET, etc.), as well ashistological techniques and flow cytometry. For certain types of cancer,evaluation of serum tumor markers are also used to evaluate response (egprostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer, andcarcino-embryonic antigen (CEA), for colon cancer). Other methods ofmonitoring cancer growth include cell counts (e.g. in leukemias) inblood or relief in bone pain (e.g. prostate cancer).

The dibenzodiazepinone compound may be administered once daily, or thecompound may be administered as two, three, four, or more sub-doses atappropriate intervals throughout the day. In that case, thedibenzodiazepinone compound contained in each sub-dose must becorrespondingly smaller in order to achieve the total daily dosage. Thedosage unit can also be compounded for delivery over several days, e.g.,using a conventional sustained release formulation which providessustained release of the dibenzodiazepinone compound over a several dayperiod. Sustained release formulations are well known in the art. Inthis embodiment, the dosage unit contains a corresponding multiple ofthe daily dose. The effective dose can be administered either as asingle administration event (e.g., a bolus injection) or as a slowinjection or infusion, e.g. over 30 minutes to about 24 hours. Thecompound may be administered as a treatment, for up to 30 days.Moreover, treatment of a subject with a therapeutically effective amountof a composition can include a single treatment or a series oftreatments (e.g., a four-week treatment repeated 3 times, with a 2months interval between each treatment). Estimates of effective dosages,toxicities and in vivo half-lives for the dibenzodiazepinone compoundsencompassed by the invention can be made using conventionalmethodologies or on the basis of in vivo testing using an appropriateanimal model.

The dibenzodiazepinone compound may be administered in conjunction withor in addition to other known anticancer treatments such as surgery,radiotherapy, or other known anticancer compounds or chemotherapeuticagents. Such agents include, but are not limited to, 5-flurouracil,mitomycin C, methotrexate, hydroxyurea, nitrosoureas (e.g., BCNU, CCNU),cyclophosphamide, procarbazine, dacarbazine, thiotepa, atreptozocine,temozolomide, enzastaurin, erlotinib, mitoxantrone, anthracyclins(Epirubicin and Doxurubicin), CPT-11, camptothecin and derivativesthereof, etoposide, navelbine, vinblastine, vincristine, pregnasone,platinum compounds such as carboplatin and cisplatin, taxanes such astaxol and taxotere; hormone therapies such as tamoxifen andanti-estrogens; antibodies to receptors, such as herceptin and Iressa;aromatase inhibitors, progestational agents and LHRH analogs; biologicalresponse modifiers such as IL2 and interferons; multidrug reversingagents such as the cyclosporin analog PSC 833. (For more examples, see:The Merck Index, 12^(th) edition (1996), Therapeutic Category andBiological Activity Index, lists under “Antineoplastic” sections.

Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of dibenzodiazepinone compounds can bedetermined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures orexperimental animals. Therapeutic efficacy is determined in animalmodels as described above and in the examples herein. Toxicity studiesare done to determine the lethal dose for 10% of tested animals (LD10).Animals are treated at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD): the highestdose not producing mortality or greater than 20% body weight loss. Theeffective dose (ED) is related to the MTD in a given tumor model todetermine the therapeutic index of the compound. A therapeutic index(MTD/ED) close to 1.0 has been found to be acceptable for somechemotherapeutic drugs, a preferred therapeutic index for classicalchemotherapeutic drugs is 1.25 or higher.

The data obtained from cell culture assays and animal studies can beused in formulating a range of dosage for use in humans. The dosage ofcompositions of the invention will generally be within a range ofcirculating concentrations that include the MTD. The dosage may varywithin this range depending upon the dosage form employed and the routeof administration utilized. For any compound used in the method of theinvention, the therapeutically effective dose can be estimated initiallyfrom cell culture assays. A dose may be formulated in animal models toachieve a circulating plasma concentration range of the compound. Suchinformation can be used to more accurately determine useful doses inhumans. Levels in plasma may be measured, for example, by HPLC.

Animal models to determine antitumor efficacy of a compound aregenerally carried out in mice. Either murine tumor cells are inoculatedsubcutaneously into the hind flank of mice from the same species(syngeneic models) or human tumor cells are inoculated subcutaneouslyinto the hind flank of severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice orother immune deficient mice (nude mice) (xenograft models).

Advances in mouse genetics have generated a number of mouse models forthe study of various human diseases including cancer. The MMHCC (Mousemodels of Human Cancer Consortium) web page (emice.nci.nih.gov),sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, providesdisease-site-specific compendium of known cancer models, and has linksto the searchable Cancer Models Database (cancermodels.nci.nih.gov), aswell as the NCI-MMHCC mouse repository. Mouse repositories can also befound at: The Jackson Laboratory, Charles River Laboratories, Taconic,Harlan, Mutant Mouse Regional Resource Centers (MMRRC) National Networkand at the European Mouse Mutant Archive. Such models may be used for invivo testing of dibenzodiazepinone compounds, as well as for determininga therapeutically effective dose.

In addition to the compounds of the invention, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts, solvates or prodrugs of said compounds may also beemployed in compositions to treat or prevent the above-identifieddisorders.

EXAMPLES

Unless otherwise noted, all reagents were purchased from Sigma ChemicalCo. (St. Louis, Mo.), Aldrich.

All NMR spectra were collected in deuterated solvent on a Varian 500™Spectrometer (¹H NMR at 500 MHz, ¹³C NMR at 125 MHz). UV and massspectra were collected by Waters 2690™ HPLC using a photodiode arraydetector (PDA, 210-400 nm) coupled to a Waters Micromass™ ZQ™ massdetector.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions,molar equivalents (eq), percentage of binding and/or inhibition, GI₅₀,IC₅₀ and so forth used in the specification and claims are to beunderstood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”.Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parametersset forth in the present specification and attached claims areapproximations. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit theapplication of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims,each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of thenumber of significant figures and by applying ordinary roundingtechniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameterssetting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, thenumerical values set in the examples, Tables and Figures are reported asprecisely as possible. Any numerical values may inherently containcertain errors resulting from variations in experiments, testingmeasurements, statistical analyses and such.

In the following section, examples describe in detail the chemicalsynthesis of representative compounds of the present invention. Theprocedures are illustrations, and the invention should not be construedas being limited by chemical reactions and conditions they express. Noattempt has been made to optimize the yields obtained in thesereactions, and it would be obvious to one skilled in the art thatvariations in reaction times, temperature, solvent and/or reagents couldincrease the yields.

In addition, the materials, methods, and examples, including in vitroand in vivo efficacy, bioavailability, toxicity and pharmacologicalproperties are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those describedherein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention,suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications,patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, thepresent specification, including definitions, will control.

Example 1 Production of Compound 1 by Fermentation

Exemplary Fermentation Procedures:

a) Fermentation Procedure

Micromonospora sp. (deposit accession number IDAC 070303-01) wasmaintained on agar plates of ISP2 agar (Difco Laboratories, Detroit,Mich.). An inoculum for the production phase was prepared bytransferring the surface growth of the Micromonospora sp. from the agarplates to 125-mL flasks containing 25 mL of sterile medium comprised ofglucose 10 g, potato dextrin type IV (Sigma) 20 g, yeast extract 5 g, NZ Amine-A 5 g, 1 g CaCO₃ made up to one liter with tap water (pH 7.0).The culture was incubated at about 28° C. for approximately 70-72 hourson a rotary shaker set at 250 rpm. Following incubation, 10 mL ofculture was transferred to a 2 L baffled flask containing 600 mL ofsterile production medium containing 20 g/L potato dextrin type IV(sigma), 30 g/L glycerol, 2.5 g/L Bacto-peptone, 8.34 g/L yeast extract,3 g/L CaCO₃, pH 7.0. Fermentation broth was prepared by incubating theproduction culture at 28° C. in a rotary shaker set at 250 rpm for 5days.

b) Alternate Procedure:

The fermentation was accomplished as a 1×10 L batch in a 14.5 Lfermentor (BioFlo 110™ Fermentor, New Brunswick Scientific, Edison,N.J., USA) using an improved procedure described in CA patentapplication 2,466,340, filed Jan. 21, 2004.

Micromonospora sp. (deposit accession number IDAC 070303-01) wasmaintained on agar plates of ISP2 agar (Difco Laboratories, Detroit,Mich.). An inoculum for the production phase was prepared bytransferring the surface growth of the Micromonospora sp. from the agarplates to 2-L flasks containing 500 mL of sterile medium comprised of 10g glucose, 20 g potato dextrin, 5 g yeast extract, 5 g NZ-Amine A, and 1g CaCO₃ made up to one liter with tap water (pH 7.0). The culture wasincubated at about 28° C. for approximately 70 hours on a rotary shakerset at 250 rpm. Following incubation, 300 mL of culture was transferredto a 14.5 L fermentor containing 10 L of sterile production medium. Eachliter of production medium was composed of 20 g potato dextrin, 30 gglycerol, 2.5 g Bacto-peptone, 8.34 g yeast extract, 0.3 mL Siliconedefoamer oil (Chem Service), 0.05 ml Proflo oil™ (Traders protein) and 3g CaCO₃ made to one liter with distilled water and adjusted to pH 7.0.The culture was incubated at 28° C., with dissolved oxygen (dO₂)controlled at 25% in a cascade loop with agitation varied between320-600 RPM and aeration set at a fixed rate of 0.5 v/v/m.

In addition to the above medium, other preferred media for theproduction of Compound 1 by fermentation are provided in Table 1 (QB,MA, KH, RM, JA, FA, CL). Any one of Micromonospora sp. 046-ECO11 or[S01]046 may be used in these exemplified methods.

Example 2 Isolation of Compound 1

Examplary Isolation Procedures:

a) Isolation Procedure 1:

500 mL ethyl acetate was added to 500 mL of fermentation broth preparedas described in Example 1 above. The mixture was agitated for 30 minuteson an orbital shaker at 200 rpm to create an emulsion. The phases wereseparated by centrifugation and decantation. Between 4 and 5 g ofanhydrous MgSO₄ was added to the organic phase, which was then filteredand the solvents removed in vacuo.

An ethyl acetate extract from 2 L fermentation was mixed with HP-20resin (100 mL; Mitsubishi Casei Corp., Tokyo, Japan) in water (300 mL).Ethyl acetate was removed in vacuo, the resin was filtered on a Buchnerfunnel and the filtrate was discarded. The adsorbed HP-20 resin was thenwashed successively with 2×125 mL of 50% acetonitrile in water, 2×125 mLof 75% acetonitrile in water and 2×125 mL of acetonitrile.

Fractions containing Compound 1 were evaporated to dryness and 100 mgwas digested in the 5 mL of the upper phase of a mixture prepared fromchloroform, cyclohexane, methanol, and water in the ratios, by volume,of 5:2:10:5. The sample was subjected to centrifugal partitionchromatography using a High Speed Countercurrent Chromatography (HSCC)system (Kromaton Technologies, Angers, France) fitted with a 200 mLcartridge and prepacked with the upper phase of this two-phase system.The HSCC was run with the lower phase mobile and Compound 1 was elutedat approximately one-half column volume. Fractions were collected andCompound 1 was detected by TLC of aliquots of the fractions oncommercial Kieselgel 60F₂₅₄ plates. Compound could be visualized byinspection of dried plates under UV light or by spraying the plates witha spray containing vanillin (0.75%) and concentrated sulfuric acid(1.5%, v/v) in ethanol and subsequently heating the plate. Fractionscontained substantially pure Compound 1, although highly colored. Abuff-colored sample could be obtained by chromatography on HPLC asfollows.

6 g of sample was dissolved in acetonitrile and injected onto apreparative HPLC column (Xterra™ ODS (10 μm), 19×150 mm, Waters Co.,Milford, Mass.), with a 9 mL/min flow rate and UV peak detection at 300nm. The column was eluted with acetonitrile/buffer (5 mM of NH₄HCO₃)according to the following gradient shown in Table 2. TABLE 2Preparative HPLC gradient Time (min) Water (%) Acetonitrile (%) 0 50 5010 0 100 20 0 100 25 50 50 30 50 50

Fractions containing Compound 1 were combined, concentrated andlyophilized to give a yield of 3.8 mg compound.

b) Isolation Procedure 2:

Compound 1 was also isolated using the following alternative protocol.At the end of the incubation period, the fermentation broth from thebaffled flasks of Example 1 was centrifuged and the supernatant decantedfrom the pellet containing the bacterial mycelia. 100 mL of 100% MeOHwas added to the mycelial pellet and the sample was stirred for 10minutes and centrifuged for 15 minutes. The methanolic supernatant wasdecanted and saved. 100 mL of acetone was then added to the mycelialpellet and stirred for 10 minutes then centrifuged for 15 minutes. Theacetonic supernatant was decanted and combined with the methanolicsupernatant. Finally, 100 mL of 20% MeOH/H₂O was added to the mycelialpellet, stirred for 10 minutes and centrifuged for 15 minutes. Thesupernatant was combined with the acetonic and methanolic supernatants.

The combined supernatant was added to 400 ml of HP-20 resin in 1000 mLof water and the organics were removed in vacuo. The resulting slurrywas filtered on a Buchner funnel and the filtrate was discarded. HP-20resin was washed successively with 2×500 mL of 50% MeOH/H₂O, 2×500 mL of75% MeOH/H₂O and 2×500 mL of MeOH.

The individual washes were collected separately and analyzed by TLC asdescribed above. Those fractions containing Compound 1 were evaporatedto near dryness and lyophilized. The lyophilizate was dissolved inmethanol and injected onto a preparative HPLC column (Xterra™ ODS (10m), 19×150 mm, Waters Co., Milford, Mass.) with a flow rate of 9 mL/minand peak detection at 300 nm.

The column was eluted with acetonitrile/buffer (5 mM of NH₄HCO₃)according to gradient shown in Table 3. TABLE 3 Preparative HPLCgradient Time (min) Buffer (%) Acetonitrile (%) 0 95 5 15 45 55 20 5 9530 5 95 35 95 5

Fractions containing Compound 1 were combined, concentrated andlyophilized to yield about 33.7 mg of compound.

c) Isolation Procedure 3:

10 liters of the whole broth from Example 1 was extracted twice withequal volumes of ethyl acetate and the two extracts were combined andconcentrated to dryness. The dried extract was weighed, and for everygram of dry extract, 100 mL of MeOH—H₂O (2:1 v/v) and 100 mL of hexanewas added. The mixture was swirled gently but well to achievedissolution. The two layers were separated and the aqueous layer iswashed with 100 mL of hexane. The two hexane layers were combined andthe combined hexane solution was washed with 100 mL methanol:water (2:1,v/v). The two methanol:water layers were combined and treated with 200mL of EtOAc and 400 mL of water. The layers were separated and theaqueous layer extracted twice further with 200 mL portions of EtOAc. TheEtOAc layers are combined and concentrated. The residue obtained (220mg) was suitable for final purification, either by HSCC or by HPLC asdescribed above. This extraction process achieved a ten-foldpurification when compared with the extraction protocol used in (a) or(b).

Example 3 Elucidation of the Structure of Compound 1

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (462.25) andformula (C₂₈H₃₄N₂O₄) of Compound 1 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 461.2 andpositive ionization gave an (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 463.3. UVmax wasdetermined to be 230 nm with a shoulder at 290 nm.

Proton and carbon NMR spectral analysis is shown in Table 4. NMR datawere collected dissolved in MeOH-d4 including proton, carbon andmultidimensional pulse sequences gDQCOSY, gHSQC, gHMBC, and NOESY. Anumber of cross peaks in the 2D spectra of Compound 1 are key in thestructural determination. For example, the farnesyl chain is placed onthe amide nitrogen by a strong cross peak between the proton signal ofthe terminal methylene of that chain at 4.52 ppm. and the amide carbonylcarbon at 170 ppm in the gHMBC experiment. This conclusion is confirmedby a cross peak in the NOESY spectrum between the same methylene signalsat 4.52 ppm and the aromatic proton signal at 6.25 ppm from one of thetwo protons of the tetra substituted benzenoid ring. Assignment ofproton and carbon signals are shown in Table 4. TABLE 4 ¹H and ¹³C NMR(δ_(H), ppm) Data of Compound 1 in MeOH-D₄ Assignment ¹H ¹³C Group  17.15 122.3 CH  2 6.74 121.0 CH  3 6.83 116.9 CH  4 — 146.0 C—OH  4a —142.0 C  5a — 126.0 C  6 — 148.2 C—OH  7 6.20 100.0 CH  8 — 153.0 C—OH 9 6.25 101.0 CH  9a — 135.0 C 11 — 170.0 C(O) 11a — 125.0 C  1′ 4.5248.7 CH₂  2′ 5.35 121.1 CH  3′ — 138.5 C  4′ 2.03 39.5 CH₂  5′ 2.08 26.7CH₂  6′ 5.09 124.1 CH  7′ — 135.0 C  8′ 1.95 39.6 CH₂  9′ 2.02 26.3 CH₂10′ 5.06 124.4 CH 11′ — 130.9 C 12′ 1.64 24.8 CH₃  1″ 1.72 15.5 CH₃  2″1.59 14.9 CH₃  3″ 1.55 16.5 CH₃

Based on the mass, UV and NMR spectroscopy data, the structure of thecompound was determined to be the structure of Compound 1 shown above.

Example 4 Dialkylsulfate Reactions

a) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compounds 2 and 80

Compound 2, namely10-farnesyl-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-methyl-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,and

Compound 80, namely10-(7-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,10-dienyl)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-methyl-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,were prepared and identified as follows:Preparation:

Compound 1 (500.0 mg) was dissolved in methanol (MeOH, 20 mL) andstirred with dimethyl sulfate (0.5 mL) and NaHCO₃ (250 mg) at roomtemperature for 48 hrs. The reaction mixture was diluted to 200 mL byadding water and extracted with ethyl acetate (EtOAc, 300 mL×3). Theorganic layer was separated and dried under vacuum, re-dissolved in MeOHand filtered through a 0.45 μm 13 mm Acrodisc™ GHP syringe filter. Thefiltrate was subjected for isolation on a Waters HPLC coupled to aphotodiode array detector. Compound 80 (12.1 mg) and Compound 2 (308.5mg) were isolated by the multiple injections on Nova-Pack™ HR 6 μm C1825×200 mm column (20 mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CN gradient 80:20-30:70, 0-8 min;30:70-0:100, 8-18 min), eluting at 14.5 and 16.8 min, respectively.

Structural Elucidation of Compounds 2 and 80:

The calculated molecular weight for the major isotope (476.27) andformula (C₂₉H₃₆N₂O₄) of Compound 2 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 475.6 andpositive ionization gave an (M+Na)⁺ molecular ion of 499.4. Proton andcarbon NMR spectral analysis is shown in Table 5. Signals were easilyassigned based on Compound 1 structure knowledge. The calculatedmolecular weight for the major isotope (508.29) and formula (C₃₀H₄₀N₂O₅)of Compound 80 was confirmed by mass spectral analysis: negativeionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 507.3 and positive ionizationgave an (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 509.3. The characteristic N-methyl(signal 5), methoxy (signal 7′-OMe) and the methylene group (6′), fromthe addition of methanol on the farnesyl chain were easily assigned asshown in Table 5. TABLE 5 NMR (δ, ppm) Data of Compounds 2 and 80 inMeOH-D₄ Compound 2 Compound 80 Assignment ¹H ¹³C ¹H Group  1 7.21 122.17.21 CH  2 7.14 127.3 7.14 CH  3 7.02 118.4 7.02 CH  4 — 152.6 — C—OH 4a — 139.3 — C 5-N-Me 2.92 41.1 2.93 N—CH₃  5a — 125.4 — C  6 — 154.8 —C—OH  7 6.22 99.6 6.20 CH  8 — 156.8 — C—OH  9 6.34 101.4 6.34 CH  9a —142.0 — C 11 — 168.2 — C(O) 11a — 133.5 — C  1′ 4.83, 4.58 47.7 4.89,4.57 CH₂  2′ 5.44 119.8 5.42 CH  3′ — 139.3 — C  4′ 2.07^(b) 39.5 2.06CH₂  5′ 2.12^(b) 26.2 1.42 CH₂  6′ 5.10 123.8 1.42 CH (CH₂)^(a)  7′ —135.1 — C  7′ OMe N/A N/A 3.13 OCH₃  8′ 1.95^(b) 39.8 1.42 CH₂  9′2.04^(b) 26.8 1.93 CH₂ 10′ 5.07 124.3 5.12 CH 11′ — 130.8 — C 12′ 1.6524.9 1.68 CH₃  1″ 1.78 15.8 1.77 CH₃  2″ 1.60 15.1 1.10 CH₃  3″ 1.5516.6 1.60 CH₃N/A: not applicable, group not present in the molecule^(a)CH in Compound 2, CH₂ in Compound 80^(b)Signals for 4′, 5′, 8′ and 9′ are very close; assignment was basedon Compound 1b) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compounds 14, 82, 83, 84, 85,and 87

Compound 14:10-farnesyl-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-ethyl-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one;

Compound 82:10-(11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,6-dodecadienyl)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one;Compound 85:10-(11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,6-dodecadienyl)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-ethyl-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one;

Compound 84:10-(7,11-dimethoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2-dodecenyl)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one;Compound 87:10-(7,11-dimethoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2-dodecenyl)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-ethyl-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one;Preparation:

Compound 1 (85.3 mg) was stirred for 72 hrs at room temperature in amixture of diethyl sulfate (2.0 mL) and NaHCO₃ (99.9 mg) in MeOH (2 mL).The resulting mixture was filtered through a 0.45 μm 13 mm Acrodisc™ GHPsyringe filter. The solution was purified by preparative HPLC (multipleinjections on a NovaPack™ HR C-18 25×200 mm column (20 mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CNgradient 80:20-30:70, 0-8 min; 30:70-0:100, 8-18 min) to give four majorpeaks: Compound 14 (20.0 mg with some impurities, RT: 16.6 min),Compound 82 (5.65 mg, RT: 11.6 min), Compound 84 (2.20 mg, RT: 10.3min), Compound 85 (17.54 mg, RT: 14.3 min) and Compound 87 (7.82 mg, RT:12.6 min) were obtained. The fraction containing Compound 14 was furtherpurified by HPLC using the same column (20 mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CN gradient80:20 30:70, 0-8 min; 30:70-0:100, 8-18 min, curve 7), to givesubstantially pure Compound 14 (13.85 mg, RT: 17.9 min).

Structural Elucidation of Compounds 14, 82, 84, 85 and 87:

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (490.28) andformula (C₃₀H₃₈N₂O₄) of Compound 14 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 489.3 andpositive ionization gave an (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 491.3. Proton NMRsignals were easily assigned based on Compounds 1 and 2 structuresknowledge. The characteristic N-ethyl group (5-N-Et) was easily assignedas shown in Table 6.

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (494.28) andformula (C₂₉H₃₈N₂O₅) of Compound 82 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 493.3 andpositive ionization gave an (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 495.4, and afragment having an (M+H—HOCH₃)⁺ molecular ion of 463.3. Proton NMRsignals were easily assigned based on Compound 1 structure knowledge.The characteristic methoxy group (11′-OMe) and the methylene group(10′), from the addition of methanol on the farnesyl chain were easilyassigned as shown in Table 6.

The calculated molecular weight (526.30) and formula (C₃₀H₄₂N₂O₆) ofCompound 84 was confirmed by mass spectral analysis: negative ionizationgave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 525.3 and positive ionization gave an(M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 527.4, and fragments having respectively(M+H—HOCH₃)⁺ and (M+H—HOCH₃—HOCH₃)⁺ molecular ion of 495.4 and 463.4.Proton NMR signals were easily assigned based on Compound 1 structureknowledge. The characteristic methoxy groups (signals 7′-OMe and11′-OMe) from the addition of two molecules of methanol on the farnesylchain were easily assigned as shown in Table 6. The methylene groups(5′, 6′, 8′, 9′ and 10′) were found to have similar chemical shifts,which is consistent with a saturated chain.

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (522.31) andformula (C₃₁H₄₂N₂O₅) of Compound-85 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 521.3 andpositive ionization gave an (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 523.5, and afragment having an (M+H—HOCH₃)⁺ molecular ion of 491.3. Thecharacteristic N-ethyl group (5-N-Et), and the methoxy (11′-OMe) andmethylene (10′) groups from the addition of methanol on the farnesylchain were easily assigned as shown in Table 6.

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (554.34) andformula (C₃₂H₄₆N₂O₆) of Compound 87 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 553.4 andpositive ionization gave an (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 555.4, and fragmentshaving respectively (M+H—HOCH₃)⁺ and (M+H—HOCH₃—HOCH₃)⁺ molecular ion of523.5 and 491.3. The characteristic N-ethyl group (5-N-Et), and methoxy(7′-OMe and 11′-OMe) groups from the addition of two molecules ofmethanol on the farnesyl chain were easily assigned as shown in Table 6.The methylene groups (5′, 6′, 8′, 9′ and 10′) were all found to havesimilar chemical shifts, which is consistent with the saturated alkylgroup. TABLE 6 ¹H NMR (δ_(H), ppm) Data of Compounds 14, 82, 84, 85 and87 in MeOH-D₄ Assignment 14 82 84 85 87 Group  1 7.20 7.17 7.17 7.207.20 CH  2 7.13 6.77 6.76 7.14 7.14 CH  3 7.02 6.85 6.83 7.03 7.03 CH5-N-Et (C1) 3.23, N/A N/A 3.23, 3.15 3.24, 3.16 CH₂ 3.15 5-N-Et (C2)1.07 N/A N/A 1.09 1.09 CH₃  7 6.22 6.23 6.22 6.22 6.22 CH  9 6.34 6.286.27 6.34 6.34 CH  1′ 4.58, 4.55 4.57 4.82, 4.56 4.91, 4.54 CH₂ 4.56  2′5.41 5.37 5.37 5.41 5.38 CH  4′ 2.06 2.07 2.04 2.07 2.05 CH₂  5′ 2.112.13 * 2.13 ** CH₂  6′ 5.10 5.12 * 5.11 ** CH (CH₂)^(a) 7′-OMe N/A N/A3.18 N/A 3.17 OCH₃  8′ 1.95 1.97 * 1.95 ** CH₂  9′ 2.04 1.40 * 1.38 **CH₂ 10′ 5.07 1.40 * 1.38 ** CH (CH₂)^(b) 11′-OMe N/A 3.14 3.11 3.13 3.12OCH₃ 12′ 1.65 1.10 1.16 1.08 1.14 CH₃  1″ 1.77 1.74 1.72 1.78 1.78 CH₃ 2″ 1.60 1.61 1.10 1.10 1.10 CH₃  3″ 1.55 1.10 1.16 1.08 1.14 CH₃N/A: not applicable, group not present in the molecule* signal 1.22-1.51 ppm, 10 protons** signal 1.22-1.49 ppm, 10 protons^(a)CH in Compounds 14, 82 and 85, CH₂ in Compounds 84 and 87^(b)CH in Compound 14, CH₂ in Compounds 82, 84, 85 and 87Alternate Procedure, Preparation of Compounds 82 and 83:

Compound 1 (107.2 mg) and p-toluenesufonic acid (pTSA, 13.8 mg) werestirred reflux in methanol for 30 minutes. The reaction was filtered andsubjected to Waters HPLC purification (multiple injections on aNovaPack™ HR C-18 25×200 mm column: 20 mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CN gradient70:30-20:80, 0-4 min; 20:80-0:100, 4-9 min) to give Compound 82 (8.5 mg,RT 7.2 min) and Compound 83 (4.3 mg, RT 7.7 min).

Structural elucidation of Compound 83 was done as for Compounds 82 and84. Mass spectral analysis (ES⁺: 495.5; ES⁻: 493.3) confirmed acalculated molecular weight of the major isotope (494.28) and formula(C₂₉H₃₈N₂O₅) as for Compound 82. Proton NMR analysis showed signals 6′(1.42 ppm, CH₂) and 7′-OMe (3.13 ppm, OCH₃) corresponding to theaddition of a methanol molecule on the second double bond of thefarnesyl group (as for Compound 80).c) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compound 63

Compound 63, namely10-farnesyl-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-n-propyl-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,was prepared and identified as follows:Preparation:

Compound 1 (46.7 mg) was stirred for 72 hrs at room temperature in amixture of dipropyl sulfate (0.5 mL) and NaHCO₃ (46.3 mg) in MeOH (3mL). The resulting mixture was filtered through a 0.45 μm 13 mmAcrodisc™ GHP syringe filter. The solution was purified by preparativeHPLC (multiple injections on a NovaPack™ HR C-18 25×200 mm column: 20mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CN gradient 80:20-30:70, 0-8 min; 30:70-0:100, 8-18 min)to give substantially pure Compound 63 (18.0 mg, RT: 17.3 min).

Structural Elucidation of Compound 63:

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (504.30) andformula (C₃₁H₄₀N₂O₄) of Compound 63 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 503.4 andpositive ionization gave an (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 505.5. Proton NMRsignals were easily assigned based on Compounds 1 and 2 structuresknowledge. The characteristic N-Propyl group (5-N—Pr (C1 to C3)) waseasily assigned as shown in Table 7 below.d) Synthesis and Elucidation of Compound 98

Compound 98:10-Farnesyl-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-(trideuteriomethyl)-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,was prepared and identified according to the following procedure:Preparation:

Compound 1 (121.3 mg) was dissolved in MeOH (3.0 mL), dimethylsulfate-d₆ (150 μL, CDN isotopes Inc.) and NaHCO₃ (58.1 mg) were added,and the reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reactionmixture was filtered and the filtrate was subjected to Waters HPLCpurification (multiple injections on Nova Pack™ HR C-18 25×200 mmcolumn: 20 mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CN gradient 70:30-20:80, 0-4 min; 20:80-0:100,4-9 min, and 100% CH₃CN, 9-12 min) to give Compound 98 (82.7 mg, RT 9.4min).

Structural Elucidation:

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (479.29) andformula (C₂₉H₃₃D₃N₂O₄) of Compound 98 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 478.5, andpositive ionization gave an (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 480.6. The structurewas further confirmed by proton NMR spectrum as shown in Table 7 below.TABLE 7 ¹H NMR (δ_(H), ppm) Data of Compounds 63 and 98 in MeOH-D₄Assign Compound 63 Compound 98 Group  1 7.19 7.21 CH  2 7.12 7.14 CH  37.01 7.02 CH 5-N-Pr (C1) 3.04, 3.15 — CH₂ ^(a) 5-N-Pr (C2) 1.50 N/A CH₂5-N-Pr (C3) 0.91 N/A CH₃  7 6.22 6.22 CH  9 6.34 6.34 CH  1′ 4.54, 4.884.83, 4.59 CH₂  2′ 5.40 5.44 CH  4′ 2.07 2.07 CH₂  5′ 2.12 2.12 CH₂  6′5.09 5.10 CH  8′ 1.96 1.95 CH₂  9′ 2.03 2.03 CH₂ 10′ 5.07 5.07 CH 12′1.65 1.65 CH₃  1″ 1.78 1.77 CH₃  2″ 1.60 1.60 CH₃  3″ 1.55 1.55 CH₃N/A: not applicable, group not present in the molecule^(a)CH₂ in Compound 63, CD₃ in Compound 98.

Example 5 Alkyl Halide Reactions

a) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compound 3

Compound 3, namely5-benzyl-10-farnesyl-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-onewas prepared and identified as follows:Preparation:

Compound 1 (60.5 mg) was stirred 84 hrs with benzyl chloride (1.8 mL,120 eq, Sigma) in presence of two drops of pyridine (Aldrich). Theresulting mixture was directly subjected to HPLC separation.Purification by multiple injection on a Waters™ RCM Nova-Pak™ HR C18 6μm 60A 25×200 mm column (20 mL/min H₂O/CH₃CN 80:20-30:70, 0-8 min;30:70-0:100, 8-18 min, and 100% CH₃CN, 18-20 min) gave Compound 3 (46.0mg) with retention time of 17.5 min.

Structural Elucidation:

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (552.30) andformula (C₃₅H₄₀N₂O₄) of Compound 3 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 551.7 andpositive ionization gave an (M+Na)⁺ molecular ion of 575.5. Proton NMRsignals were easily assigned based on Compound 1 structure knowledge.The characteristic N-benzyl group (5-N-alkyl (C₁-C5)) were assigned asshown in Table 8 below.b) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compound 64

Compound 64, namely10-farnesyl-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-n-butyl-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,was prepared and identified as follows:Preparation:

Compound 1 (43.5 mg) was stirred in 1-bromobutane (2.0 mL) with pyridine(50 μL) at 80° C. overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with MeOH(1.0 mL), filtered and subjected for Waters HPLC as described above (ina) to give a semi-purified Compound 64 (RT: 18.1 min). The semi-purifiedcompound was further purified using the same conditions (except withcurve 7) to give substantially pure Compound 64 (10.5 mg, RT: 17.9 min).

Structure Elucidation:

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (518.31) andformula (C₃₂H₄₂N₂O₄) of Compound 64 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H) molecular ion of 517.4 andpositive ionization gave an (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 519.5. Thecharacteristic N-n-butyl group (5-N-alkyl (C1-C4)) was easily assignedas shown in Table 8 below.c) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compound 67

Compound 67, namely10-farnesyl-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-n-hexyl-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,was prepared and identified as follows:Preparation:

Compound 1 (39.2 mg) was stirred in 1-bromohexane (2.0 mL) with pyridine(50 μL) at 80° C. overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with MeOH(1.0 mL), filtered and subjected for Waters HPLC (multiple injections ona NovaPack™ HR C-18 25×200 mm column: 20 mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CN gradient80:20-30:70, 0-8 min; 30:70-0:100, 8-18 min; isocratic CH₃CN 18-24minutes) to give substantially pure Compound 67 (14.0 mg, RT: 20.1 min).

Structural Elucidation:

The calculated molecular weight (546.35) and formula (C₃₄H₄₆N₂O₄) ofCompound 67 was confirmed by mass spectral analysis: negative ionizationgave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 545.6 and positive ionization gave an(M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 547.6. Proton NMR signals were easily assignedbased on Compounds 1 and 2 structures knowledge. The characteristicN-n-hexyl group (5-N-alkyl (C1-C6)) was easily assigned as shown inTable 8 below.d) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compound 77

Compound 77, namely10-Farnesyl-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-sec-butyl-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,was prepared and identified as follows:Preparation Procedure 1:

Compound 1 (26.0 mg) was stirred in 2-bromobutane (4.0 mL) with pyridine(100 μL) under reflux for one hour. The reaction mixture wasconcentrated in vacuo, diluted with MeOH (2.0 mL), filtered andsubjected for Waters HPLC as described above (in a) to give Compound 77(1.65 mg, RT: 18.0 min).

Preparation Procedure 2:

Compound 1 (104.5 mg) was stirred in 2-bromobutane (5.0 mL) withpyridine (400 μL) under reflux for two hours. The reaction mixture wasconcentrated in vacuo, diluted with MeOH (4.0 mL), filtered andsubjected for Waters HPLC (multiple injections on a NovaPack™ HR C-1825×200 mm column: 20 mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CN gradient 70:30-20:80, 0-4 min;20:80-0:100, 4-9 min) to give Compound 77 (7.38 mg, RT: 11.2 min).

Structure Elucidation:

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (518.31) andformula (C₃₂H₄₂N₂O₄) of Compound 77 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 517.4 andpositive ionization gave an (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 519.6. Thecharacteristic N-sec-butyl group (5-N-Alkyl (C₁-C₄)) was easily assignedas shown in Table 8 below. TABLE 8 ¹H NMR (δ_(H), ppm) Data of Compounds3, 64, 67 and 77 in MeOH-D₄ Assign 3 64 67 77 Group  1 7.19 7.20 7.207.19 CH  2 7.09 7.13 7.12 7.14 CH  3 6.96 7.02 7.02 7.01 CH 5-N-alkyl(C1) 4.34, 3.18, 3.09 3.18, 3.08 3.29 ^(a) 4.25 (C2) — 1.46 1.48 1.34^(b) (C3) 7.20 1.35 1.30 086, 0.81^(h) ^(c) (C4) 7.23 0.89 1.30 1.00,0.96^(h) ^(d) (C5)^(e) 7.23 N/A 1.30 N/A ^(e) (C6) N/A N/A 0.89 N/A ^(f) 7 6.16 6.22 6.23 6.22 CH  9 6.31 6.34 6.33 6.34, 6.32^(h) CH  1′ 4.55,4.89, 4.54 4.92, 4.52 4.90, 4.53 CH₂ 4.48  2′ 5.44 5.40 5.39 5.41,5.36^(h) CH  4′^(g) 2.08 2.06 2.06 2.06 CH₂  5′^(g) 2.13 2.12 2.11 2.13CH₂  6′ 5.10 5.09 5.09 5.10 CH  8′^(g) 1.94 1.96 1.96 1.97 CH₂  9′^(g)2.01 2.04 2.04 2.05 CH₂ 10′ 5.04 5.07 5.07 5.08 CH 12′ 1.64 1.65 1.641.66 CH₃  1″ 1.79 1.78 1.78 1.80, 1.79^(h) CH₃  2″ 1.56 1.60 1.60 1.61CH₃  3″ 1.52 1.55 1.56 1.56 CH₃N/A: not applicable, group not present in the molecule^(a) CH₂ in Compounds 3, 64, and 67; and CH in Compound 77.^(b) C in Compound 3; CH₂ in Compounds 64, 67 and 77.^(c) CH (2H) in Compound 3; CH₂ in Compounds 64 and 67; and CH₃ inCompound 77^(d) CH (2H) in Compound 3; CH₃ in Compounds 64 and 77; and CH₂ inCompound 67.^(e) CH in Compound 3; CH₂ in Compound 67; absent in Compounds 64 and77.^(f) CH₃ in Compound 67; absent in Compounds 3, 64 and 77.^(g)Signals at 4′, 5′, 8′ and 9′ are very close; assignment was based onCompound 1^(h)From two different isomers.e) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compound 101

Compound 101, namely(10-Farnesyl-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydrodibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-on-5-yl)acetic acid ethyl ester, was prepared and identifiedas follows:Preparation Procedure:

Compound 1 (100 mg) and bromoacetic acid (1.0 g) were stirred in ethanol(5.0 mL) under reflux for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was dilutedwith water (150 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×1 50 mL). Theorganic layer was concentrated in vacuo, dissolved in MeOH (2.0 mL),filtered and subjected to Waters HPLC as described above (in Example4(c)) to give Compound 101 (2.9 mg, RT: 17.0 min).

Structure Elucidation:

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (548.29) andformula (C₃₂H₄₀N₂O₆) of Compound 101 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: positive ionization gave (M+H)⁺ and (M+Na)⁺ molecular ionsrespectively of 549.4 and 572.2. The characteristic ethyl acetate group(5-N-Alkyl (C1-C3)) was easily assigned as shown in Table 9 below.f) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compounds 102 and 103

Compound 102, namely(10-Farnesyl-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydrodibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-on-5-yl)acetic acid methyl ester; and

Compound 103, namely(10-Farnesyl-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydrodibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-on-5-yl)acetic acid; were prepared and identified asfollows:Preparation Procedure:

Compound 1 (100 mg) and bromoacetic acid (1.0 g) were stirred inmethanol (5.0 mL) under reflux for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture wasdiluted with water (150 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×1 50mL). The organic layer was concentrated in vacuo, dissolved in MeOH (2.0mL), filtered and subjected to Waters HPLC as described above (inExample 4(c)) to give pure Compound 102 (12.5 mg, RT: 16.0 min) andCompound 103 (4.8 mg, RT: 12.6 min).

Structure Elucidation:

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (534.27) andformula (C₃₁H₃₈N₂O₆) of Compound 102 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: positive ionization gave (M+H)⁺ and (M+Na)⁺ molecular ionsrespectively of 535.4 and 557.4. The characteristic methyl acetate group(5-N-Alkyl (C₁-C₂)) was easily assigned as shown in Table 9 below.

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (520.26) andformula (C₃₀H₃₆N₂O₆) of Compound 103 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 519.2. Thecharacteristic acetic acid group (5-N-Alkyl (C1)) was easily assigned asshown in Table 9 below. TABLE 9 ¹H NMR (δ_(H), ppm) Data of Compounds101, 102 and 103* Assignment 101 102 103 Group  1 7.19 7.25 7.18 CH  27.14 7.21 7.14 CH  3 7.01 7.07 7.01 CH 5-N-R (C1) 4.09, 3.95 4.08, 4.043.87, 3.80 CH₂ 5-N-R (C2) 4.19 3.78 N/A ^(a) 5-N-R (C3) 1.25 N/A N/A^(b)  7 6.22 6.24 6.20 CH  9 6.35 6.40 6.35 CH  1′ 4.88, 4.53 4.90, 4.484.88, 4.50 CH₂  2′ 5.44 5.42 5.42 CH  4′ 2.07 2.07 2.08 CH₂  5′ 2.122.12 2.12 CH₂  6′ 5.08 5.11 5.08 CH  8′ 1.95 1.97 1.95 CH₂  9′ 2.03 2.072.03 CH₂ 10′ 5.08 5.08 5.08 CH 12′ 1.66 1.68 1.65 CH₃  1″ 1.77 1.76 1.77CH₃  2″ 1.60 1.62 1.59 CH₃  3″ 1.56 1.59 1.55 CH₃*NMR done in MeOH-D₄ for Compounds 101 and 103, and in CD₃CN forCompound 102N/A: not applicable, group not present in the molecule^(a)CH₂ in Compound 101, CH₃ in Compound 102.^(b)CH₃ in Compound 101.g) Synthesis of Compounds 104A, 104B and 104C

Compound 104A is prepared by reacting Compound 103 with, for exampleammonia (bubbled in a solvent such as acetonitrile, and concentrated invacuo), or by treating with one molar equivalent of an aqueous ammoniumhydroxide. The aqueous solution is concentrated in vacuo, orfreeze-dried to give the ammonium salt.

Compounds 104B and 104C are prepared by reacting Compound 103 with onemolar equivalent of the corresponding base, e.g. aqueous sodiumbicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate. Aqueous solutions of the saltformed are freeze-dried to give the desired base addition salt.

h) Synthesis of N-Alkyl Compounds:

N-Alkyl compounds of Formula I, and more specifically Compounds 2, 14,and 60 to 77 are also prepared by the procedures detailed in any of (a)to (e), by reaction of Compound 1 with the appropriate alkyl halide.Examples of alkyl halides to be used are methyl iodide, iodoethane,3-chloro-1-butene, 1-chloro-2-methylpropane, crotylchloride,1-bromopropane, 1-bromobutane, 1-bromo-2-methylbutane,2-chloro-2-methylpropane, 1-bromohexane, 1-chlorooctane, trifuoromethyliodide, heptafluoro-1-iodopropane, heptafluoro-2-iodopropane,2-iodo-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, bromocyclopropane, bromocyclohexane,(2-bromoethyl)benzene, 1-bromo-3-phenylpropane, and 2-bromobutane,respectively for the production of Compounds 2, 14, and 60 to 77.

Example 6 O-Alkyl Analogs

a) Diazoalkane Reaction (O-Methylation):

Compounds 4 and 5:10-farnesyl-6,8-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-oneand10-farnesyl-4,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,are monomethylated have a calculated molecular weight of the majorisotope of 476.27 g/mol and a formula of C₂₉H₃₆N₂O₄.Compounds 6 and 7:10-farnesyl-4-hydroxy-6,8-dimethoxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-oneand10-farnesyl-8-hydroxy-4,6-dimethoxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,are dimethylated and have a calculated molecular weight of the majorisotope of 490.28 g/mol and a formula of C₃₀H₃₈N₂O₄.Compound 8:10-farnesyl-4,6,8-trimethoxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,is trimethylated and has a calculated molecular weight of the majorisotope of 504.30 g/mol and a formula of C₃₁H₄₀N₂O₄.

All O-methylated compounds (4 to 8) were prepared and identifiedaccording to the following procedure:

Preparation:

Compound 1 (20.0 mg) in MeOH (2.0 mL) was treated with excess of CH₂N₂in diethyl ether and the mixture stirred overnight. The resultingmixture was separated by preparative TLC (Merck Silica gel 60 F₂₅₄),using 2.5% MeOH in CHCl₃ as eluent. A mixture of Compounds 4 and 5 (1.0mg), Compound 6 (0.5 mg), Compound 7 (5.5 mg) and Compound 8 (3.0 mg)were isolated with Rf value of 0.09, 0.35, 0.39 and 0.92 respectively.

Structural Elucidation:

The calculated molecular weights of the major isotopes (mono: 476.27,di: 490.28 and tri: 504.30) and formulae (mono: C₂₉H₃₆N₂O₄, di:C₃₀H₃₈N₂O₄ and tri: C₃₁H₄₀N₂O₄) respectively of mono methylated(Compounds 4 and 5), dimethylated (Compounds 6 and 7) and trimethylated(Compound 8) were confirmed by mass spectral (MS) analysis. MS of bothCompounds 4 and 5 gave a (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 475.5 by negativeionization and a (M+Na)⁺ molecular ion of 499.4 by positive ionization.MS of Compound 6 gave a (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 489.5 by negativeionization and a (M+Na)⁺ molecular ion of 513.4 by positive ionization.MS of Compound 7 gave a (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 489.5 by negativeionization and a (M+Na)⁺ molecular ion of 513.4 by positive ionization.MS of Compound 8 gave a (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 503.6 by negativeionization and a (M+Na)⁺ molecular ion of 527.4 by positive ionization.Proton NMR spectral analysis for Compounds 4 to 8 is shown in Table 10.Signals were easily assigned based on comparison with the spectra ofCompound 1.(b) Isolation of a Mono-Glucuronide Analog:

A mono-glucuronide analog (Compound 107 or 108) was isolated andidentified as follows:

Compound 107:10-farnesyl-6-β-glucoronyloxy-4,8-dihydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one;OR

Compound 108:10-farnesyl-8-β-glucoronyloxy-4,6-dihydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one;

Preparation Procedure:

A 200 mL sample of urine taken from a rat fed with Compound 1 wasstirred with HP-20 resin (20 mL) overnight at room temperature. Theresin was washed with water (400 mL) followed by gradient elution bywater/methanol (200 mL) to get four fractions (Fraction 1: 80:20;Fraction 2: 50:50; Fraction 3: (20:80); and Fraction 4 (0:100)).Fractions 3 and 4 were combined, concentrated in vacuo, re-dissolved inDMSO and filtered. The filtrate was subjected HPLC purification on aYMC-Pack ODS-AQ™ C18, 20×250 mm column (20 mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CN 95:5-50:50,0-12 min; 50:50 0:100, 12-16 min) to give a mono glucuronide that wouldbe identified either as Compound 107 or 108 (46 μg, RT: 18.2 min).

Structure Elucidation:

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (638.28) andformula (C₃₄H₄₂N₂O₁₀) of the mono-glucuronide analog (Compound 107 or108) isolated was confirmed by mass spectral analysis: positiveionization gave an (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 639.2. NMR signals wereassigned as shown in Table 10. Signals having chemical shifts of 4.85,3.66, 3.68, 3.78, and 3.57 ppm, each integrating for one proton, wereassigned to the characteristic glucuronide group. The first CH (4.85ppm) was determined as the anomeric proton attached to the phenolicalcohol. TABLE 10 ¹H NMR (δ_(H), ppm) Data of Compounds 4, 5, 6, 7, 8and mono-G in MeOH-D₄ Assign. 4 5 6 7 8 Mono-G Group  1 7.28 7.17 7.197.28 7.29 7.20 CH  2 6.91 6.78 6.86 6.92 6.92 6.81 CH  3 7.03 6.86 6.797.03 7.03 6.92 CH 4-OMe 3.94 N/A N/A 3.93 3.94 N/A ^(a)  5 N/D N/D N/DN/D 6.95 N/D NH 6-OMe N/A 3.87 3.91 3.87 3.89 N/A^(e) ^(b)  7 6.28 6.236.46 6.33 6.45 6.65 CH 8-OMe N/A N/A 3.75 N/A 3.74 N/A^(e) ^(c)  9 6.386.34 6.52 6.38 6.57 6.49 CH  1′ 4.56 4.56 4.61 4.57 4.60 4.56 CH₂  2′5.36 5.36 5.38 5.34 5.31 5.40 CH  4′^(d) 2.05 2.05 2.05 2.05 2.04 2.07CH₂  5′^(d) 2.10 2.10 2.09 2.09 2.08 2.12 CH₂  6′ 5.09 5.09 5.07 5.085.06 5.13 CH  8′^(d) 1.96 1.96 1.95 1.95 1.93 1.97 CH₂  9′^(d) 2.04 2.042.04 2.04 2.03 2.03 CH₂ 10′ 5.09 5.09 5.07 5.08 5.06 5.08 CH 12′ 1.661.66 1.65 1.66 1.65 1.65 CH₃  1″ 1.74 1.74 1.75 1.73 1.73 1.75 CH₃  2″1.60 1.60 1.60 1.59 1.59 1.62 CH₃  3″ 1.57 1.57 1.55 1.57 1.55 1.56 CH₃N/D: Not determined - not observed^(a) X is OCH₃ in Compounds 4, 7 and 8; X is OH in Compounds 5 and 6.^(b) X is OCH₃ in Compounds 5, 6, 7 and 8; X is OH in Compound 4.^(c) X is OCH₃ in Compounds 6 and 8; X is OH in Compounds 4, 5 and 7.^(d)Signals of 4′, 5′, 8′ and 9′ are very close; assignement was basedon Compound 1.^(e)Glucuronide (X is O-G) signals (G in 6 or 8) appeared at 4.85, 3.66,3.68, 3.78, and 3.57 as described above.

Example 7 O-Acylations

a) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compounds 9 to 12(O-Acetylation):

Compounds 9, 10 and 11:6,8-diacetoxy-10-farnesyl-4-hydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one;4,6-diacetoxy-10-farnesyl-8-hydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-oneand4,8-diacetoxy-10-farnesyl-6-hydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,are diacetylated and have a calculated molecular weight of the majorisotope of 546.27 g/mol and a formula of C₃₂H₃₈N₂O₆.Compound 12:4,6,8-triacetoxy-10-farnesyl-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-i1-one, is triacetylated and has a calculated molecular weight of themajor isotope of 588.28 g/mol and a formula of C₃₄H₄₀N₂O₇.

All acetylated compounds (9 to 12) were prepared and identifiedaccording to the following procedure:

Preparation:

Compound 1 (120.5 mg) was stirred overnight with acetic anhydride (720μL, 29 eq, Aldrich) in presence of 6 drops of pyridine (Aldrich). Thereaction mixtures submitted to HPLC separation. Purification by multipleinjection on a Waters™ RCM Nova-Pak HR™ C18, 6 μm, 60A 25×200 mm column(20 mL/min H₂O/CH₃CN 80:30-70:75, 0-8 min; 30:70-0:100, 8-18 min andHPLC run for 20 min) gave Compound 11 (11.4 mg), Compound 10 (9.2 mg),Compound 9 (11.4 mg), Compound 12 (91.2 mg) with retention time of 16.2,17.6, 18.0 and 18.5 min, respectively.

Structural Elucidation:

The calculated molecular weights of the major isotopes (di: 546.27 andtri: 588.28) and formulae (di: C₃₂H₃₈N₂O₆ and tri: C₃₄H₄₀N₂O₇)respectively of diacetylated (Compounds 9, 10 and 11) and triacetylated(Compound 12) were confirmed by mass spectral (MS) analysis. MS ofCompound 9 gave a (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 545.6 by negative ionizationand a (M+Na)⁺ molecular ion of 569.4 by positive ionization. MS ofCompound 10 gave a (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 545.6 by negative ionizationand a (M+Na)⁺ molecular ion of 569.5 by positive ionization. MS ofCompound 11 gave a (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 545.5 by negative ionizationand a (M+Na)⁺ molecular ion of 569.4 by positive ionization. MS ofCompound 12 gave a (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 587.6 by negative ionizationand a (M+Na)⁺ molecular ion of 611.5 by positive ionization. Proton NMRspectral analysis for Compounds 9 to 12 is shown in Table 11. Signalswere easily assigned based on comparison with the spectra of Compound 1.b) Synthesis and structural Elucidation of Compound 105(O-Benzoylation):

Compound 105:4,6,8-tribenzoyloxy-10-farnesyl-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one

The tribenzoylated Compound 105 was prepared and identified according tothe following procedure:

Preparation:

Compound 1 (200 mg) was dissolved in pyridine (4.0 mL) and benzoylchloride (400 mL) was added and the reaction stirred at room temperaturefor 3 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted in water (200 mL) andextracted with ethyl acetate (2×200 mL). The organic layers werecombined and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved inmethanol, filtered, and submitted to HPLC separation. Purification bymultiple injection on a Waters™ RCM Nova-Pak™ HR C18, 6 μm, 60A 25×200mm column (20 mL/min H₂O/CH₃CN 70:30-0:100, 0-4 min; 100% CH₃CN 4-14min) gave a semi-purified Compound 105 (RT: 11.2 min). The semi-purifiedproduct was submitted to the same HPLC column (20 mL/min, isocraticCH₃CN) to give pure Compound 105 (84.2 mg, RT 5.3 min).

Structural Elucidation:

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotopes (774.33) andformulae (C₄₉H₄₆N₂O₇) of Compound 105 were confirmed by mass spectral(MS) analysis. MS of Compound 105 gave (M+H)⁺ and (M+Na)⁺ molecular ionsrespectively of 535.4 and 557.4 by positive ionization. Proton NMRspectral analysis of Compound 105 is shown in Table 11. Signals wereeasily assigned based on comparison with the spectra of Compound 1.TABLE 11 ¹H NMR (δ_(H), ppm) Data of Compounds 9, 10, 11, 12 (in CDCl₃)and 105 (in CD₃CN) Assignment 9 10 11 12 105 Group  1 7.27 7.72 7.757.75 7.26 CH  2 6.67 6.99 7.02 7.10 7.10 CH  3 6.67 7.15 7.15 7.16 7.74CH 4 OR - C(2) N/D 2.42 2.42 2.41 ^(b) ^(b) C(3) N/A N/A N/A N/A 8.15^(c) C(4) N/A N/A N/A N/A 7.58 ^(d) C(5) N/A N/A N/A N/A 7.72 ^(e)  56.45 5.90 6.29 6.15 6.57 NH 6 OR - C(2) 2.36 2.41 N/D 2.40 ^(f) ^(f)C(3) N/A N/A N/A N/A 8.00 ^(c) C(4) N/A N/A N/A N/A 7.33 ^(d) C(5) N/AN/A N/A N/A 7.58 ^(e)  7 6.82 6.52 6.15 6.96 7.25 CH 8 OR - C(2) 2.28N/D 2.25 2.27 ^(g) ^(g) C(3) N/A N/A N/A N/A 7.80 ^(c) C(4) N/A N/A N/AN/A 7.21 ^(d) C(5) N/A N/A N/A N/A 7.50 ^(e)  9 6.95 6.67 6.55 6.84 7.01CH  1′ 4.60 4.57 4.57 4.58 4.64 CH₂  2′ 5.43 5.38 5.41 5.42 5.43 CH 4′^(a) 2.08 2.06 2.05 2.06 2.07 CH₂  5′^(a) 2.09 2.08 2.09 2.09 2.08CH₂  6′ 5.10 5.09 5.09 5.10 5.08 CH  8′^(a) 1.98 1.97 1.98 1.98 1.93 CH₂ 9′^(a) 2.08 2.06 2.05 2.06 2.02 CH₂ 10′ 5.10 5.09 5.09 5.10 5.08 CH 12′1.69 1.69 1.69 1.68 1.64 CH₃  1″ 1.72 1.70 1.71 1.72 1.74 CH₃  2″ 1.611.60 1.60 1.61 1.56 CH₃  3″ 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.60 1.56 CH₃N/D: Not determined - not observedN/A: Not applicable, group not present in the molecule^(a) Signals of 4′, 5′, 8′ and 9′ are very close; assignement was basedon Compound 1.^(b) Ac (CH₃) in Compounds 10, 11 and 12; H in Compound 9; C(1) (aryl)in Compound 105.^(c) CH in Compound 105 (ortho, 2H).^(d) CH in Compound 105 (meta, 2H).^(e) CH in Compound 105 (para, 1H).^(f) Ac (CH₃) in Compounds 9, 10 and 12; H in Compound 11; C (aryl) inCompound 105.^(g) Ac (CH₃) in Compounds 9, 11 and 12; H in Compound 10; C (aryl) inCompound 105.

Example 8 Farnesyl Side Chain Modifications

a) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compound 46

Compound 46:10-(3,7,11-trimethyldodecyl)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,was prepared and identified according to the following procedure:Preparation:

A solution of Compound 1 (51.1 mg in 3.0 mL MeOH) was stirred underhydrogen gas overnight in presence of platinum oxide (PtO₂, 10 mg, 0.4eq) as a catalyst. The reaction mixture was filtered and purified bydirect preparative HPLC using a Phenomenex Synergi™ MAX RP 21.2×200 mmcolumn (20 mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CN gradient 30:70-30:70, 0-2 min; 30:70-0:100,2-20 min). Fractions having a retention time of 12.8 min were combinedto give 45.2 mg of Compound 46.

Structural Elucidation:

Calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (468.30) and formula(C₂₈H₄₀N₂O₄) were confirmed by mass spectral analysis. Compound 46 massspectra gave a (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 467.4 by negative ionization anda (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 469.4 by positive ionization. Proton NMRspectral analysis of Compound 46 is shown in Table 12 below. Signalswere easily assigned based on Compound 1 structure knowledge. Asexpected, aliphatic proton signals at positions 2′-11′ all have veryclose chemical shifts ranging from about 1 to 1.75 ppm (integrating for17 protons), methyl protons at positions 12′ and 1″-3″ are all veryclose as well (shifts 0.8-0.95 ppm, integrating for 12 protons). Thesesignals are also complex from the fact that 2 diastereomers of positions3′ and 7′ are present in the mixture, and in different proportions.Labile protons were not observed since NMR was done in deuteratedmethanol.b) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compound 78

Compound 78, namely10-(3,7,11-trimethyldodecyl)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-methyl-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,was prepared and identified as follows:Preparation:

A solution of Compound 2 (23.7 mg) in MeOH (2.0 mL) was stirred underhydrogen gas overnight in presence of platinum oxide (PtO₂, 10 mg,catalyst) as a catalyst. The reaction mixture was filtered andconcentrated in vacuo to give 21.6 mg of Compound 78.

Structural Elucidation:

The calculated molecular weight (482.31) and formula (C₂₉H₄₂N₂O₄) ofCompound 78 was confirmed by mass spectral analysis: negative ionizationgave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 481.3 and positive ionization gave an(M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 483.3. The farnesyl olefinic protons on the NMRspectra were replaced by aliphatic proton signals in the region ofaround 0.76-1.86 ppm, integrating for 17 protons, 3CH, 7CH₂. Thecharacteristic N-methyl group (5-N—Me) was easily assigned as shown inTable 12 below.c) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compound 100

Compound 100, namely10-(3,7,11-trimethyl-2-dodecenyl)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5-methyl-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,was prepared and identified as follows:Preparation:

A solution of Compound 2 (308.5 mg) in MeOH (220 mL) was stirred underhydrogen gas overnight in presence of platinum oxide (PtO₂, 10 mg) ascatalyst. The reaction mixture was filtered and purified by HPLCaccording to the procedure described in Example 5(a) to give pureCompound 100 (82.3 mg, RT: 17.0 min).

Structural Elucidation:

The calculated molecular weight (480.30) and formula (C₂₉H₄₀N₂O₄) ofCompound 100 was confirmed by mass spectral analysis: negativeionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 479.3 and positive ionizationgave an (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 481.6. The NMR spectrum analysis wasbased on the structural elucidation of Compounds 2 and 78. The farnesylolefinic protons of positions 6′-7′ and 10′-11′ on the NMR spectra werereplaced by aliphatic proton signals and, together with the aliphaticprotons of positions 5′, 8′ and 9′, are observed in the region of about1.07 to 1.51 ppm, integrating for 12 protons, 2CH, 5CH₂. The farnesylolefinic proton at position 2′(CH) was shown on the NMR to have achemical shift of 5.41 ppm. The methylene group at positions 4′ wasshown at 2.03 ppm. The characteristic 5-N-methyl group was also easilyassigned to a chemical shift of 2.93 ppm. TABLE 12 ¹H NMR (δ_(H), ppm)Data of Compounds 46, 78 and 100 in CD₃OD Assignment 46 78 100 Group  17.15 7.18 7.21 CH  2 6.76 7.12 7.14 CH  3 6.84 7.01 7.02 CH 5-N-Me N/A2.96, 2.95^(b) 2.93 CH₃  7 6.24 6.23 6.21 CH  9 6.26 6.33, 6.35^(b) 6.34CH  1′ 4.16, 3.99 4.42, 3.86 4.56, 4.87 CH₂ 2′-11′^(a) ˜1.00-1.75˜0.76-1.86 ^(c) ^(c) 12′ and 1″-3″^(a)  ˜0.8-0.95 ˜0.87-1.00 ^(d) ^(d)N/A: not applicable, group not present in the molecule^(a)Signals are very close.^(b)Mixture of isomers.^(c)Compounds 46 and 78: 3CH, 7CH₂ (17H); Compound 100: 2′(CH) at 5.41ppm, 4′(CH₂) at 2.03 ppm, 5′-11′ (12H) at 1.07-1.51 ppm.^(d)Compounds 46 and 78: 4CH₃ (12H); Compound 100: 1″ (CH₃) at 1.75 ppm,2″, 3″ and 12′ (9H) at 0.88-0.80 ppm.d) Synthesis and Elucidation of Compounds 17 and 18 by Epoxidation

Compound 17:10-(3,7,11-trimethyl-6,7-epoxydodeca-2,10-dienyl)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,andCompound 18:10-(3,7,11-trimethyl-10,11-epoxydodeca-2,10-dienyl)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,were prepared and identified according to the following procedure:Preparation:

A mixture of Compound 1 (24.0 mg) and 3-chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA,7.8 mg, 0.9 eq) in THF (1.0 mL) were stirred overnight at roomtemperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with MeOH (1.0 mL) andsubjected to purification on Waters HPLC using a Photodiode Arraydetector. The mixture was purified by multiple injections on a Waters™RCM Nova-Pak™ HR C-18 25×200 mm column (20 mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CN gradient80:20-30:70, 0-8 min; 30:70-0:100, 8-20 min). Pure Compound 17 (2.11 mg)and Compound 18 (1.68 mg) were obtained by concentration in vacuo of thecombined fractions respectively having retention time 11.2 min and 10.6min.

Structural Elucidation:

Calculated molecular weights of the major isotopes (478.25) and formulae(C₂₈H₃₄N₂O₅) were confirmed by mass spectral analysis. Compound 17 massspectra gave a (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 477.3 by negative ionization anda (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 479.4 by positive ionization. Compound 18 massspectra gave a (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 477.3 by negative ionization anda (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 479.4 by positive ionization. Proton NMRspectral analysis of Compounds 17 and 18 is shown in Table 13. Signalswere easily assigned based on Compound 1 structure knowledge. Asexpected, epoxide protons signals were shifted upfield, compared to thealkene protons of Compound 1 (from 5.09 to 2.75 ppm for Compound 17, andfrom 5.06 to 2.73 ppm for Compound 18). Exchangeable protons were notobserved as NMR was done in deuterated methanol. TABLE 13 ¹H NMR (δ_(H),ppm) Data of Compounds 17 and 18 in CD₃OD Assignment Compound 17Compound 18 Group  1 7.17 7.18 CH  2 6.77 6.77 CH  3 6.85 6.86 CH  76.22 6.23 CH  9 6.27 6.27 CH  1′ 4.61, 4.54 4.55 CH₂  2′ 5.42 5.37 CH 4′ 2.17 2.08^(a) CH₂  5′ 1.62, 1.42 2.13^(a) CH₂  6′ 2.75 5.16 CH  8′1.62, 1.42 2.08^(a) CH₂  9′ 2.09 1.60 CH₂ 10′ 5.09 2.73 CH 12′ 1.67 1.26CH₃  1″ 1.77 1.74 CH₃  2″ 1.26 1.64 CH₃  3″ 1.60 1.20 CH₃^(a)Signals are very close, and are interchangeablee) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compound 89 and 92

Compound 89, namely10-(7-hydroxy-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,10-dienyl)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,and

Compound 92, namely10-(7-acetamido-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,10-dienyl)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,were prepared and identified as follows:

Preparation:

Compound 1 (20.0 mg) was dissolved in CH₃CN (2.0 mL) and water (50 μL)and pTSA (56.0 mg) was added. The solution was stirred under reflux for30 min. The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate subjected toWaters HPLC purification (multiple injections on Nova-Pack™ HR C-1825×200 mm column: 20 mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CN gradient 70:30-20:80, 0-4 min;20:80-0:100, 4-9 min), to give Compound 89 (0.73 mg, RT 10.0 min) andCompound 92 (0.33 mg, RT 10.5 min).

Structure Elucidation of Compounds 89 and 92:

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (480.26) andformula (C₂₈H₃₆N₂O₅) of Compound 89 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 479.8 andpositive ionization gave an (M+H—H₂O)⁺ molecular ion of 464.1. Thecharacteristic side chain signal (signal 6′) aliphatic methylene waseasily assigned as shown in Table 14 below.

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (521.29) andformula (C₃₀H₃₉N₃O₅) of Compound 92 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 522.8 andpositive ionization gave an (M+H)⁺ molecular ion of 522.9. Thecharacteristic side chain (signal 6′) aliphatic methylene and theacetamide (signal 7′-NHAc) were easily assigned as shown in Table 14below. TABLE 14 ¹H NMR (δ_(H), ppm) Data of Compounds 89 and 92 in CD₃ODAssignment Compound 89 Compound 92 Group  1 7.18 7.17 CH  2 6.77 6.77 CH 3 6.86 6.85 CH  7 6.23 6.22 CH  9 6.29 6.31 CH  1′ 4.56 4.54 CH₂  2′5.39 5.40 CH  4′ 2.05 2.05 CH₂ 5′, 6′, 8′, 9′ 1.49-1.27^(a) N/A 4 (CH₂)5′, 6′, 8′ — 1.77-1.40^(b) 3 (CH₂) 7′-X — 1.92 X^(c)  9′ — 1.93 CH₂ 10′5.13 5.12 CH 12′ 1.68 1.67 CH₃  1″ 1.73 1.71 CH₃  2″ 1.14 1.23 CH₃  3″1.61 1.59 CH₃N/A: not applicable, group not present in the molecule^(a)Signals 5′, 6′, 8′ and 9′ of Compound 89 are all very close.^(b)Signals 5′, 6′ and 8′ of Compound 92 are all very close.^(c)In Compound 89, X is OH, in Compound 92, X is NHC(O)CH₃.f) Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compounds 95 and 96 byOzonolysis

Compound 95, namely10-(6,6-dimethoxy-3-methyl-2-hexenyl)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,andCompound 96, namely10-(6,6-dimethoxyethyl)-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dinbenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,were prepared and identified as follows:Preparation:

Compound 1 (201.2 mg) was dissolved in MeOH (3.0 mL) and O₃ (ozone) wasbubbled in the solution for 2 min at −80° C. (dry ice/acetone). Dimethylsulfide (146 ml) was added and the reaction mixture was warmed up andstirred at room temperature for 24 hrs. The reaction mixture wasfiltered and the filtrate subjected to purification on a WatersAuto-Purification System (multiple injections on YMC-Pack ODS-AQ column20×250 mm: 20 mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CN gradient: 75:25 isocratic 3 min,75:25-5:95, 3-30 min; 5:95-0:100, 30-31 min and 100% CH₃CN isocratic for5 min), to give Compound 95 (0.96 mg, RT 12.4 min) and Compound 96 (1.23mg, RT 8.7 min).

Structural Elucidation of Compounds 95 and 96:

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (414.18) andformula (C₂₂H₂₆N₂O₆) of Compound 95 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 413.4 andpositive ionization gave an (M+Na)⁺ molecular ion of 437.6. Thecharacteristic farnesyl side chain proton NMR signals (7′ to 11′, and2″, 3″) were replaced by an aliphatic carbon (signal 6′) and two methoxygroups (6′-OMe's), easily assigned as shown in Table 15 below.

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotope (346.12) andformula (C₁₇H₁₈N₂O₆) of Compound 96 was confirmed by mass spectralanalysis: negative ionization gave an (M-H)⁻ molecular ion of 345.2 andpositive ionization gave an (M+Na)⁺ molecular ion of 369.3. Thecharacteristic farnesyl side chain proton NMR signals were replaced byaliphatic carbon (signal 2′) and two methoxy groups (2′-OMe'S), easilyassigned as shown in Table 15 below. TABLE 15 ¹H NMR (δ_(H), ppm) Dataof Compounds 95 and 96 in CD₃OD Assignment Compound 95 Compound 96 Group1 7.18 7.15 CH 2 6.77 6.77 CH 3 6.86 6.86 CH 7 6.23 6.24 CH 9 6.27 6.41CH 1′ 4.58 4.64 CH₂ 2′ 5.35 4.72 CH 2′-OMe N/A 3.40 2 × OCH₃ 4′ 2.07 N/ACH₂ 5′ 1.66 N/A CH₂ 6′ 4.22 N/A CH 6′-OMe 3.37 N/A 2 × OCH₃ 1″ 1.74 N/ACH₃N/A: not applicable, group not present in the molecule

Example 9 Aromatic Substitution Reaction

Synthesis and Structural Elucidation of Compound 97 by Bromination:

Compound 97:10-(farnesyl)-7-bromo-4,6,8-trihydroxy-5,10-dihydro-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-11-one,was prepared and identified according to the following procedure:Preparation:

Compound 1 (116.0 mg) and N-bromosuccinimide (NBS, 45.5 mg) weredissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF, 3.0 mL) and stirred at roomtemperature for 4 days. The reaction mixture was filtered and subjectedto Waters HPLC purification (Nova-Pack™ HR C-1 8 25×200 mm column: 20mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CN gradient 80:20-30:70, 0-8 min; 30:70-0:100, 8-18 min)to give Compound 97 (13.6 min) together with some impurities. Thesemi-purified sample was further purified by HPLC (Symmetry™ C-18 25×100mm column: 20 mL/min, H₂O/CH₃CN gradient 70:30-30:70, 0-15 min), to giveCompound 97 (9.5 mg, RT 13.0 min).

Structural Elucidation:

The calculated molecular weight of the major isotopes (540.16 and542.16) and formula (C₂₈H₃₃BrN₂O₄) of Compound 97 was confirmed by massspectral analysis: negative ionization gave (M-H)⁻ molecular ions of539.2 and 541.1, and positive ionization gave (M+H)⁺ molecular ions of541.3 and 543.2. The presence of the two molecular ions in each massspectrum confirmed the presence of a bromine group in the molecule. Thestructure was further confirmed by the absence of the aromatic (7)signal in the proton NMR spectrum as shown in Table 16 below. TABLE 16¹H NMR (δ_(H), ppm) Data of Compound 97 in CD₃OD Assignment Compound 97Group 1  7.18 CH 2  6.79 CH 3  6.87 CH 9  6.49 CH 1′ 4.56 CH₂ 2′ 5.34 CH4′ 2.06 CH₂ 5′ 2.09 CH₂ 6′ 5.10 CH 8′ 1.96 CH₂ 9′ 2.04 CH₂ 10′  5.08 CH12′  1.66 CH₃  1″ 1.74 CH₃  2″ 1.60 CH₃  3″ 1.57 CH₃

Example 10 In Vitro Profiling of the Compounds of the Invention

(a) In Vitro Anticancer Activity of the Compounds of Formula I AgainstFour Cell Lines:

In vitro cytotoxic activities of exemplified Compounds are shown inTable 17, along with hemolytic activity of each compound. Compounds weretested in four cell lines: HT-29 (colorectal carcinoma), SF268 (CNS),MDA-MB-231 (mammary gland adenocarcinoma) and PC-3 (prostateadenocarcinoma). Procedures used for each series of tests are describedbelow. TABLE 17 In vitro Cytotoxic Activities MDA- Compound HT-29 SF-268PC-3 MB-231 Average^(c) No: (GI₅₀ μM) (GI₅₀ μM) (GI₅₀ μM) (GI₅₀ μM)(GI₅₀ μM)  1^(a/b) 11.2/9.33 1.96/1.55 1.95/3.76 1.79/3.18 4.23/4.45 2^(b) 0.65 0.12 0.45 0.24 0.36*  3^(a) 7.3 5.73 5.36 6.32 6.18  4^(a)14.7 4.97 5.86 11.3 9.20  5^(a) 14.4 13.4 15.6 20.5 16.0  6^(a) >30 18.919.0 24.6 20.8  7^(a) 14.1 18.5 14.6 17.4 16.1  9^(a) 12.6 1.88 1.442.48 4.60  10^(a) 13.0 2.02 1.35 1.55 4.48  11^(a) 16.0 5.79 5.35 7.728.72  12^(a) 9.33 1.95 1.2 2.79 3.82*  14^(b) 2.04 0.76 1.15 2.16 1.53* 17^(b) >30 13.4 18.7 >30 16.0  18^(b) >30 7.45 >30 >30 —  46^(a) 4.260.72 0.90 0.59 1.62*  63^(b) 2.57 0.89 1.25 2.27 1.74*  64^(b) 2.5 0.561.14 1.39 1.40*  67^(b) 2.44 0.53 1.33 1.92 1.55*  77^(b) 13.9 3.31 17.15.62 9.98  78^(b) 0.29 0.07 0.23 0.24 0.21*  80^(b) 1.43 0.33 1.80 1.021.14*  82^(b) 23.6 4.75 13.4 11.0 13.2  83^(b) 19.6 9.74 13.2 6.71 12.3 84^(b) 21.5 3.49 16.4 23.5 16.2  85^(b) 1.89 1.73 1.08 2.19 1.72* 87^(b) 1.83 0.91 1.39 2.40 1.63*  89^(b) >30 13.7 13.5 25.3 17.5 92^(b) >30 13.5 16.6 11.1 13.7  97^(b) 2.02 2.04 1.19 2.02 1.82* 98^(b) 0.69 0.16 0.82 0.51 0.54* 100^(b) 0.69 0.23 0.65 0.37 0.49*101^(b) 18.2 3.27 8.73 3.67 8.47 105^(b) >30 28.2 >30 >30 28.2^(a)Results obtained by method (a) below^(b)Results obtained by method (b) below^(c)Values > 30 are not considered for calculation of averages;*shows GI₅₀ values lower than Compound 1

All compounds described in Table 17 exhibited anticancer activity. Thecompounds bearing an asterisk (*) were shown to have a better anticanceractivity than Compound 1. These compounds include Compounds 2, 63, 64,67, 78, 80, 85, 87, 98, and 100 which are N-linear alkyl derivatives ofCompound 1, encompassed by Formula 11, and their hydrogenated andhydroalkoxylated farnesyl derivatives. The hydrogenated farnesylderivative Compound 46, brominated aryl derivative Compound 97, andtriacetylated Compound 12 were also found to be generally more activethan Compound 1.

Method (a):

Cytotoxic activities were determined in vitro for Compounds 1, 3-7,9-12and 46 to determine the concentration of each compound needed to obtaina 50% inhibition of cell proliferation (GI₅₀). The GI₅₀ value emphasizesthe correction for the cell count at time zero and, using the sevenabsorbance measurements [time zero, (Tz), control growth, (C), and testgrowth in the presence of drug at the five concentration levels (Ti)],GI₅₀ is calculated as [(Ti-Tz)/(C-Tz)]×100=−50, which is the drugconcentration resulting in a 50% reduction in the net DNA content intreated relative to control cells during the drug incubation.

Compounds were dissolved at 10 mM in DMSO. Dilution in vehicle toconcentrations of 30, 10, 3, 1 and 0.3 μM were prepared immediatelybefore assays. Depending on the cell line's growth characteristics,4000-10000 cells were plated in two 96-wells pates (day 0) and incubatedfor 16 hours. The following day, propidium iodide was added to one ofthe two plates and fluorescence measured (Tz). Test compounds were addedto the second plate, as well as vehicle control, and cells furtherincubated for 96 hours. Each compound was tested at each concentrationand in triplicates. The equivalent cell number was determined afteradding propidium iodide by measuring the signal by fluorescence (C forcontrol). GI₅₀ results were calculated using the formula above and areshown in Table 17.

Method (b):

In vitro cytotoxic activities (GI₅₀) of Compounds 1, 2, 14, 17, 18, 63,64, 67, 77, 78, 80, 82 to 85, 87, 89, 92, 97, 98, 100, 101, and 105 weredetermined using propidium iodide (PI) as being the concentration ofdrug resulting in 50% growth inhibition, and by using the followingmethod.

Two 96-well plates were seeded in duplicate with each cell line at theappropriate inoculation density (HT29: 3,000; SF268: 3,000; PC-3: 3,000;and MDA-MB-231: 7,500 cells) and according to the technical data sheetof each cell line (rows A-G, 75 μL of media per well). Row H was filledwih medium only (150 μL, negative control-medium). The plates wereincubated at appropriate temperature and CO₂ concentration for 24 hrs.

Test Compounds were prepared as 15× stock solutions in appropriatemedium and corresponding to 450, 45, 0.45, 0.045, and 0.0045 μM(prepared the day of the experiment). An aliquot of each was diluted7.5-fold in appropriate test medium to give a set of six 2×concentration solutions (60, 6, 0.6, 0.06, 0.006, and 0.0006 μM). A 75μL aliquot of each concentration was added to each corresponding well(rows A to F) of the second plate. Row G was filled with 75 μL ofmedium/0.6% DMSO (negative control-cells). The second plate wasincubated at appropriate temperature and CO₂ concentration for 96 hrs.

First Plate: PI (30 μL, 50 μg/mL) was added to each well of the firstplate without removing the culture medium. The plate was centrifuged(Sorvall Legend-RT, swinging bucket) at 3500 rpm/10 min. Fluorescenceintensity (Thermo, Varioskan, 8 _(ex): 530 nm; λ_(em): 620 nm) wasmeasured to give the first measurement, dead cells (DC at T₀; beforefreezing). Two round of Freeze (−80° C.)/Thaw (37° C.) were done.Fluorescence intensity was determined to give the second measure, totalcells (TC at T₀; after freeze/thaw)

Second plate was processed as the first one, except there were threerounds of freeze/thaw instead of two. First measurement gave the treateddead cells value (TDC), and the second measurement gave the treatedtotal cells value (TTC). Both values were collected for each treatedwell and control (CTC and CDC).

Each value (DC, TC, TDC, TTC, CTC and CDC) was corrected by removing thebackground value (medium only) to give the value (FU_(DC(T=0)),FU_(TC(T=0)), FU_(TDC), FU_(TTC), FU_(CTC) and FU_(CDC)) used in thecalculation of the T/C (%) (Treated/Control) for each concentration. T/C(%) for each concentration is calculated using the following formula:${T\text{/}{C(\%)}} = \frac{\left( {{FU}_{TTC} - {FU}_{TDC}} \right) - {\left( {{FU}_{{TC}{({T = 0})}} - {FU}_{D\quad{C{({T = 0})}}}} \right) \times 100}}{\left( {{FU}_{CTC} - {FU}_{CDC}} \right) - \left( {{FU}_{{TC}{({T = 0})}} - {FU}_{D\quad{C{({T = 0})}}}} \right)}$

The GI₅₀ value emphasizes the correction for the cell count at time zerofor cell survival. The T/C values are transposed in a graph to determineGI₅₀ values, the concentration at with the T/C is 50%.

(b) Anticancer Activity Profiling of Compound 2 Against 36 Cell Lines(IC₅₀):

Culture conditions and activity evaluations of Compound 2 against 36cancer cell lines were done as described in Method (a) of Example 10(a),except that results were expressed as the concentration of drug whichinhibits 50% of the cell growth (IC₅₀, calculated using the formula:[Ti/C]×100=−50). The low micromolar to nanomolar levels of IC₅₀ valuesshown in Table 18 demonstrated a pharmacologically relevant cytotoxicactivity of Compound 2 against a variety of 36 tumor types includingmelanomas, pancreatic, lung, colon, gastric, bladder, renal, CNS, headand neck, prostate, uterus, ovarian and breast carcinomas. TABLE 18 Invitro profiles of Compound 2 (IC₅₀) Histology in IC₅₀ # Type Cell lineOrigin nude mice (μM) 1 Bladder T24 ATCC transitional cell ca 0.127 2Bladder 1218L Xenograft urothelial adeno ca 0.166 3 Colon HCT116 NCIadeno ca, pd 0.156 4 Colon HT29 NCI adeno ca, pd 0.223 5 CNS 498NLXenograft glioblastoma 0.176 6 CNS SF268 NCI nd 0.010 7 Gastric 251LXenograft adeno ca, pd 0.105 8 Head & Neck 536L Xenograft hypopharynx ca0.181 9 Lung 1121L Xenograft large cell ca 0.125 10 Lung 289L Xenograftadeno ca 1.553 11 Lung 526L Xenograft adeno ca 0.104 12 Lung 629LXenograft adeno ca 0.164 13 Lung 529L Xenograft large cell ca, 0.127 14Lung H460 NCI large cell ca 0.366 15 Mammary 401NL Xenograft pap adenoca, wd 0.194 16 Mammary MCF7 NCI mamma ca 0.276 17 Melanoma 276LXenograft mm, amelanotic 1.948 18 Melanoma 394NL Xenograft mm,amelanotic, pd 0.020 19 Melanoma 462NL Xenograft mm, amelanotic 0.978 20Melanoma 514L Xenograft mm, melanotic 0.110 21 Melanoma 520L Xenograftmm, melanotic 0.085 22 Ovarian 1619L Xenograft adeno ca, md 0.579 23Ovarian 899L Xenograft pap serous ca, md 0.238 24 Ovarian OVCAR3 NCIadeno ca, md 0.139 25 Pancreas 1657L Xenograft adeno ca, md 1.777 26Pancreas PANC1 ATCC nd 0.125 27 Prostate 22RV1 ATCC adeno ca, md 0.14228 Prostate DU145 NCI adeno ca, md 0.158 29 Prostate LNCAP DSMZ adenoca, md 0.485 30 Prostate PC3M NCI adeno ca, pd 0.114 31 Pleuramesot.1752L Xenograft pleuromesothelioma 1.503 32 Renal 1781L Xenograft renalca 0.172 33 Renal 393NL Xenograft hypernephroma, wd 0.527 34 Renal 486LXenograft hypernephroma, pd 1.144 35 Renal 944L Xenograft hypernephroma0.230 36 Uterus 1138L Xenograft carcinosarcoma, wd 0.139 Mean of all0.407 cell lines:ca = carcimoma;pd = poorly differentiated;pap = papillary;md = moderately differentiated;wd = well differentiated;mm = malignant melanoma;nd = not determined

Example 11 In Vivo Efficacy of Compounds 1 and 2

A) In Vivo Efficacy of Compounds 1 and 2 in a Glioma Model:

The aim of this study was to test whether Compound 1 administered by thei.p. route prevents or delays tumor growth in C6 glioblastomacell-bearing mice, and to determine an effective dosage regimen.

Animals: A total of 60 six-week-old female mice (Mus musculus nudemice), ranging between 18 to 25 g in weight, were observed for 7 daysbefore treatment. Animal experiments were performed according to ethicalguidelines of animal experimentation (Charte du comité d'éthique duCNRS, juillet 2003) and the English guidelines for the welfare ofanimals in experimental neoplasia (WORKMAN, P., TWENTYMAN, P., BALKWILL,F., et al. (1998). United Kingdom Coordinating Committee on CancerResearch (UKCCCR) Guidelines for the welfare of animals in experimentalneoplasia (Second Edition, July 1997; British Journal of Cancer,77:1-10). Any dead or apparently sick mice were promptly removed andreplaced with healthy mice. Sick mice were euthanized upon removal fromthe cage. Animals were maintained in rooms under controlled conditionsof temperature (23±2° C.), humidity (45±5%), photoperiodicity (12 hrslight/12 hrs dark) and air exchange. Animals were housed inpolycarbonate cages (5/single cage) that were equipped to provide foodand water. Animal bedding consisted of sterile wood shavings that werereplaced every other day. Food was provided ad libitum, being placed inthe metal lid on the top of the cage. Autoclaved tap water was providedad libitum. Water bottles were equipped with rubber stoppers and sippertubes. Water bottles were cleaned, sterilized and replaced once a week.Two different numbers engraved on two earrings identified the animals.Each cage was labeled with a specific code.

Tumor Cell Line: The C6 cell line was cloned from a rat glial tumorinduced by N-nitrosomethyurea (NMU) according to Premont et al. (PremontJ, Benda P, Jard S., [3H] norepinephrine binding by rat glial cells inculture. Lack of correlation between binding and adenylate cyclaseactivation. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1975 Feb. 13;381(2):368-76.) afterseries of alternate culture and animal passages. Cells were grown asadherent monolayers at 37° C. in a humidified atmosphere (5% CO₂, 95%air). The culture medium was DMEM supplemented with 2 mM L-glutamine and10% fetal bovine serum. For experimental use, tumor cells were detachedfrom the culture flask by a 10 min treatment with trypsin-versen. Thecells were counted in a hemocytometer and their viability assessed by0.25% trypan blue exclusion.

Preparation of the Test Article: For the test article, the followingprocedure was followed for reconstitution (performed immediatelypreceding injection). The vehicle consisted of a mixture of benzylalcohol (1.5%), ethanol (8.5%), propylene glycol (27%), PEG 400 (27%),dimethylacetamide (6%) and water (30%). The vehicle solution was firstvortexed in order to obtain a homogeneous liquid. 0.6 mL of the vortexedvehicle solution was added to each vial containing the test article(Compound 1). Vials were mixed thoroughly by vortexing for 1 minute andinverted and shaken vigorously. Vials were mixed again prior toinjection into each animal.

Animal Inoculation with tumor cells: Experiment started at day 0 (D₀).On D₀, mice received a superficial intramuscular injection of C6 tumorcells (5×10⁵ cells) in 0.1 mL of DMEM complete medium into the upperright posterior leg.

Treatment Regimen and Results:

First Series of Experiments:

In a first series of experiments, treatment started 24 hrs followinginoculation of C6 cells. On the day of the treatment, each mouse wasslowly injected with 100 μL of test or control articles by the i.p.route. For all groups, treatment was performed until the tumor volume ofthe saline-treated mice (group 1) reached approximately 3 cm³ (aroundday 16). Mice of group 1 were treated daily with a saline isosmoticsolution for 16 days. Mice of group 2 were treated daily with thevehicle solution for 16 days. Mice of group 3 were treated daily with 10mg/kg of Compound 1 for 16 days. Mice of group 4 were treated every twodays with 30 mg/kg of Compound 1 and received 8 treatments. Mice ofgroup 5 were treated every three days with 30 mg/kg of Compound 1 andreceived 6 treatments. Measurement of tumor volume started as soon astumors became palpable (>100 mm³; day 11 post-inoculation) and wasevaluated every second day until the end of the treatment usingcallipers. As shown in Table 19 and FIG. 1, the mean value of the tumorvolume of all Compound 1 treated groups (6 mice/group) was significantlyreduced as demonstrated by the one-way analysis of variance (Anova) testfollowed by the non-parametric Dunnett's multiple comparison testcomparing treated groups to the saline group. An asterisk in the P valuecolumn of Table 19 indicates a statistically significant value, while“ns” signifies not significant. TABLE 19 Compound 1 in vivo antitumorefficacy against C6 glioblastoma Tumor volume Treatment (mm³) Treatmentregimen (mean ± SEM) % Inhibition P value Saline Q1 × 16 3,004.1 ±249.64 — — Vehicle Q1 × 16 2,162.0 ± 350.0 28.0% >0.05 ns solutionCompound 1 Q1 × 16 1,220.4 ± 283.46 59.4% <0.01* (10 mg/kg) Compound 1Q2 × 8  1,236.9 ± 233.99 58.8% <0.01* (30 mg/kg) Compound 1 Q3 × 6 1,184.1 ± 221.45 60.6% <0.01* (30 mg/kg)Second Series Experiments:

In a second series of experiments, treatment started at day 10 followinginoculation of C6 cells when tumors became palpable (around 100 to 200mm³). Treatment was repeated daily for 5 consecutive days. On the day ofthe treatment, each mouse was slowly injected with 100 μL of Compound 1by i.p. route. Mice of group 1 were treated daily with saline isosmoticsolution. Mice of group 2 were treated daily with the vehicle solution.Mice of group 3 were treated daily with 20 mg/kg of Compound 1. Mice ofgroup 4 were treated daily with 30 mg/kg of Compound 1. Mice weretreated until the tumor volume of the saline-treated control mice(group 1) reached around 4 cm³. Tumor volume was measured every secondday until the end of the treatment using callipers. As shown in Table 20and FIG. 2, the mean value of the tumor volume of all Compound 1 treatedgroups (6 mice/group) was significantly reduced as demonstrated by theone-way analysis of variance (Anova) test followed by the non-parametricDunnett's multiple comparison test comparing treated groups to thesaline group. An asterisk in the P value column of Table 20 indicates astatistically significant value, while “ns” signifies not significant.

Histological analysis of tumor sections showed pronounced morphologicalchanges between tumors from Compound 1-treated mice and those from micein the control groups. In tumors from mice treated with Compound 1(20-30 mg/kg), cell density was decreased and the nuclei of remainingtumor cells appeared larger and pycnotic while no such changes wereobserved for tumors from vehicle-treated mice (FIG. 3). TABLE 20Compound 1 in vivo antitumor efficacy against C6 glioblastoma Tumorvolume Treatment (mm³) Treatment regimen (mean ± SEM) % Inhibition Pvalue Saline Q1 × 5 4,363.1 ± 614.31 — — Vehicle Q1 × 5 3,205.0 ± 632.3726.5% >0.05 ns solution Compound 1 Q1 × 5 1,721.5 ± 374.79 60.5% <0.01*(20 mg/kg) Compound 1 Q1 × 5 1,131.6 ± 525.21 74.1% <0.01* (30 mg/kg)Antitumor Efficacy of Compound 2 Against C6 Glioblastoma:

Antitumor efficacy of Compound 2 against rat glioblastoma tumor (C6)xenografts in female swiss nude mice was accomplished as describedabove. The results and dosage regimen are summarized in FIG. 4.Significant efficacy was shown following intravenous administration, ata dosage regimen of 75 mg/kg (qd5/2/qd5).

Example 12 Pharmacokinetic Profiles

Compounds 1 and 2 were separately dissolved in ethanol (5%), Polysorbate80 (15%), PEG 400 (5%) and dextrose (5%) at a final concentration of 6mg/ml (for all parenteral administration routes). For oraladministration, Compound 1 was solubilized in Cremophor® EU Ethanol(50%:50%) at a final concentration of 6 mg/ml. Prior to dosing, animals(female Crl: CD1 mice; 6 weeks of age, 22-24 g) were weighed, randomlyselected and assigned to the different treatment groups. Compound 1 wasadministered by the intravenous (iv), subcutaneous (sc), intraperitoneal(ip), or oral (po) route to the assigned animals. Compound 2 wasadministered by the intravenous (iv), or intraperitoneal (ip) route tothe assigned animals. The dosing volume of Compounds 1 and 2 was 5 mLper kg body weight. Animals were anesthetized with 5% isoflurane priorto bleeding. Blood was collected into microtainer tubes containing theanticoagulant K₂EDTA by cardiac puncture from each of 4 animals perbleeding timepoint (2 min, 5 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h and 8h). Following collection, the samples were centrifuged and the plasmaobtained from each sample was recovered and stored frozen (atapproximately −80° C.) pending analysis. At the 5 min and 30 min timepoints, the following organs were harvested from each animal: brain,lungs, skeletal muscle, fat tissue, kidneys, spleen, thymus and liver.Tissues were frozen (at approximately −80° C.) pending analysis. Sampleswere analysed by LC/MS/MS. Standard curve ranged from 25 to 2000 ng/mLwith limit of quantitation (LOQ)≦25 ng/mL and limit of detection (LOD)of 10 ng/mL.

Plasma values of Compounds 1 and 2 falling below the limit ofquantitation (LOQ) were set to zero. Mean concentration values andstandard deviation (SD) were calculated at each timepoints of thepharmacokinetic study (n=4 animals/timepoint). The followingpharmacokinetic parameters were calculated: area under the plasmaconcentration versus time curve from time zero to the last measurableconcentration time point (AUC_(0-t)), area under the plasmaconcentration versus time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC_(inf)),maximum observed plasma concentration (C_(max)), time of maximum plasmaconcentration (t_(max)), apparent first-order terminal elimination rateconstant (k_(el)), apparent first-order terminal elimination half-lifewill be calculated as 0.693/kel (t_(1/2)). The systemic clearance (CL)of Compound 1 after intravenous administration was calculated usingDose/AUCinf. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using Kinetica™4.1.1 (InnaPhase Corporation, Philadelphia, Pa.).

Results:

Mean plasma concentrations of Compound 1 following intravenous (iv),intraperitoneal (ip), subcutaneous (sc), and oral (po) administrationsat 30 mg/kg are presented in FIG. 5. Mean plasma concentrations ofCompound 2 following iv and ip administrations at 30 mg/kg, comparedwith Compound 1 via the same routes of administration, are presented inFIG. 6. When administered iv, Compound 2 had an AUC of 92.08 μM·h and anobserved C_(max) of 105 μg/mL, compared to an AUC of 40.4 μM·h and anobserved C_(max) of 130 μg/mL for Compound 1. When administered ip,Compound 2 had an AUC of 58.75 μM·h and an observed C_(max) of 5.8μg/mL, compared to an AUC of 9.5 ˜M·h and an observed C_(max) of 2.25μg/mL for Compound 1.

Mean (±SD) plasma concentrations of Compound 1 following I.V.administration of a 30 mg/kg dose declined rapidly in a biexponentialmanner resulting in very short half lives (t_(1/2) α and β of 4.6 minand 2.56 h, respectively). The pharmacokinetics of Compound 1 followingintraperitoneal and subcutaneous administrations, and Compound 2following intraperitoneal and intravenous administration, showed a PKprofile suggestive of slow release. With these routes of administration,the compound plasma concentration was sustained and maintained attherapeutically relevant levels for over 8 hours. Compound 2 showed ahalf life (t_(1/2)) of more than 40 hours following both IP and IVadministrations. Oral administration of Compound 1 resulted in moderatebut sustained drug levels. These data indicated that Compound 1 wasorally bioavailable at a 5-8% level.

Mean tissue concentrations of Compound 1, 30 min after intravenous (iv),intraperitoneal (ip) or subcutaneous (sc) administrations at 30 mg/kgare presented in FIG. 7. The 30 min time point was chosen since plasmaconcentrations were similar with all three routes of administration.Compound 1 is well distributed following iv and ip dosing. Surprisingly,although ip and sc administrations resulted in a similar PK profile,tissue levels were significantly lower following sc dosing. This couldbe explained by the absence of peak levels following sc administrationcompared with iv and ip administrations.

Acute toxicity studies in CD-1 nu/nu mice for Compound 2, using the sameformulation, gave an MTD 2≧50 mg/kg (ip, NOAEL: 30 mg/kg) and 2100 mg/kg(iv, NOAEL: 75 mg/kg), with weight losses of about 7% for several dayspost-injection. Compound 1 had an MTD of 150 mg/kg when administered iv.Acute toxicity studies with Compound 46 gave an MTD of 30 mg/kg (ip).

Example 13 Dibenzodiazepinone Analogs General Procedures

a) O-Alkylation:

Alkylation Compounds 4-8 are also produced using the procedure presentedin Example 6. Compounds 38 and 39 are also produced using the procedureof Example 6, by controlling the amount of diazomethane, the reactiontemperature and/or the reaction time. Compound 38 is also prepared intwo steps, from Compound 10, using the procedure of Example 6, theresulting mono-methyl-diacetate compound is subsequently hydrolyzedusing aqueous acidic or basic (mild) conditions to obtain Compound 38.Compounds 4, 5, 6, 7 and 39 are also prepared in a similar two-stepprocedure, when using the appropriate Compound as starting material,which are respectively Compounds 9, 11, 35, 37 and 36.

Syntheses of Compounds 6, 7 and 38 by Methylation of Compound 1

A solution of Compound 1 (1 g) in methanol 50 (ml) is treated with 1.5equivalents of diazomethane. The mixture is stirred at room temperaturefor one hour and dried by nitrogen gas stream. The mixture is thenredisolved in methanol (10 mL) and poured into a mixture of ethylacetate (200 ml) and water (200 ml). The layers are separated and theaqueous layer is extracted once more with an equal portion of ethylacetate. The combined ethyl acetate layers are washed once with 1Naqueous acetic acid and then concentrated to a crude product, which ispredominantly a mixture of Compounds 6, 7 and 38 with some startingmaterial and over-methylated derivatives. The desired products may beseparated and purified by HPLC or HSCC chromatography or preparativeTLC, using the systems as described in any of Examples 2 and 4-9 above,to obtain approximately 200 mg of each of Compounds 6, 7 and 38.

b) O-Acylations:

O-acetylated compounds 35-37 are also produced using the procedurespresented in Example 7, using a lower quantity of acetic anhydride,lower temperature, and/or shorter reaction times.

Syntheses of Compounds 35, 36 and 37 by Esterification of Compound 1.

To a solution of Compound 1 dissolved in toluene (9 parts)tetrahydrofuran (1 part), cooled in an ice-bath is added 1.1 equivalentsof acetic anhydride and two drops of boron trifluoride etherate. Thereaction is maintained cool in an ice bath and stirred at 0° C. for 1-2hours. The reaction mixture is then poured into aqueous 5% sodiumbicarbonate solution shaken and the toluene layer is removed. Theaqueous laer is re-extracted with toluene and the combined toluenelayers are concentrated to a mixture of predominantly Compounds 35, 36and 37, contaminated with some unchanged starting material and somediacetates. Compounds 35, 36 and 37 are separated and purified by HPLCor HSCC using one of the systems described in Examples 2 and 4-9. In atypical experiment yields of 25% to 30% are obtained for each ofCompounds 35, 36 and 37.

Compounds 9-12 are also produced using the same procedure, withappropriate numbers of molar equivalents (2.2 and 3.3).

c) N-Alkylations:

N-Alkylations are accomplished using either an alkyl halide (iodide,bromide, chloride) or another alkylating agent, such as adialkylsulfate, or an alkylsulfonate (triflate, mesylate, tosylate, andthe like). Compounds 2, 3, 14, and 60 to 77 are also produced using theprocedures exemplified in Examples 4 and 5.

Syntheses of Compounds 2, 3 and 14 by N-Alkylation of Compound 1.

To a solution of Compound 1 (50 mg) dissolved in an excess of theappropriate alkyl halide (iodomethane for Compound 2, benzyl chloridefor Compound 3 or ethyl bromide for Compound 14) is added a few drops ofpyridine (catalytic amount). The reaction mixture is stirred for 72hours, or refluxed for 1 to 2 hours, and then evaporated to drynessunder reduced pressure to obtain Compound 2, 3 or 14 respectively, in anessentially pure form in an almost quantitative yield. The crudecompound is further purified by HPLC or Preparative TLC, using theprocedures described in Examples 2 and 4-9.

Compounds 60 to 77 are also prepared via this procedure, or theprocedures of Example 5, by reaction of Compound 1 respectively with3-chloro-1-butene, 1-chloro-2-methylpropane, crotylchloride,1-bromopropane, 1-bromobutane, 1-bromo-2-methylbutane,2-chloro-2-methylpropane, 1-bromohexane, 1-chlorooctane, trifuoromethyliodide, heptafluoro-1-iodopropane, heptafluoro-2-iodopropane,2-iodo-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, bromocyclopropane,1-chloro-3-phenylpropane, and 2-bromobutane. Compound 78 is alsoprepared by this procedure, by reacting Compound 46 with iodomethane.

Compounds 60 to 77 are also prepared by the procedures of Example 4, byreaction of Compound 1 with their respective dialkylsulfate (oralkylsulfonate), which is either commercially available or can beprepared, for example by the reaction of the appropriate alcohol with aactivated sulfate or sulfonate (e.g. chloride, anhydride, and the like).As an example, 1-hexane triflate is prepared just prior to use by thereaction of 1-hexanol with trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (Tf₂O) intetrahydrofuran, using an equimolar amount (vs Tf₂O) of base, such astriethylamine. The reaction is worked up by careful treatment with water(containing 1% triethylamine), extracted with ether, dried withmagnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. Other examples ofprocedures for the preparation of alkyl sulfates and sulfonates aredescribed in Advanced Organic Chemistry, Jerry March, supra (e.g. page404).

d) N-Acylation:

Synthesis of Compound 13 by N-Acetylation of Compound 1.

To a solution of Compound 1 dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) is added1.2 equivalents of acetyl chloride and a few drops of pyridine. Thereaction mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature for 1-2 hoursand then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to obtain a crudemixture containing Compound 13. Compound 13 is purified using HPLC orpreparative TLC plates and the procedure described in any one ofExamples 2, and 4-9.

e) Peracetylation:

Syntheses of Compound 15 by Peracetylation of Compound 1.

A solution of Compound 1 (100 mg) in acetic anhydride (5 ml) is treatedwith pyridine (250 ul). The reaction mixture is allowed to standovernight at—room temperature and is then diluted with toluene (100 ml).The toluene solution is washed well with aqueous 5% sodium bicarbonatesolutions, then with water and is finally concentrated under reducedpressure to give an essentially pure sample of Compound 15 in almostquantitative yield.

f) Epoxidations:

The epoxide compounds of the present invention (e.g., compoundsaccording to exemplary Compounds 16-22 are made from Compound 1, andCompounds 23 to 34 from the appropriate starting material, by treatmentwith any of a number of epoxidizing reagents such as perbenzoic acid,monoperphthalic acid or more preferably by m-chloroperbenzoic acid in aninert solvent such as tetrahydrofuran. It will be appreciated by one ofordinary skill in the art that slightly greater than one moleculeequivalent of epoxidizing agent will result in the maximal yield ofmono-epoxides, and that the reagent, solvent, concentration andtemperature of the reaction will dictate the ratio of specificmono-epoxides formed. It will also be appreciated that the mono-epoxideswill be enantiomeric mixtures, and that the di-epoxides and thetri-epoxide can be prepared as diastereomers and that the conditions ofthe reaction will determine the ratios of the products. One skilled inthe art will appreciate that under most conditions of reactions theproduct will be a mixture of all possible epoxides and that these may beseparated by standard methods of chromatography. Exemplary approaches tothe generation of mono-, di-, and tri-epoxides are provided below.

1) Mono-Epoxides Compounds, 16, 17 and 18 Prepared by Epoxidation ofCompound 1 (as Also Shown in Example 8(C)):

To a solution of Compound 1 dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) is added1.1 equivalents of meta-chloroperbenzoic acid. The reaction is cooled inan ice bath and stirred at 0° C. for 1-2 hours. The reaction mixture isthen evaporated to dryness, re-dissolved in methanol and subjected toliquid chromatography on a column of Sephadexl™ LH-20 to isolate amixture of predominantly Compounds 16, 17 and 18, contaminated with someunchanged starting material and some di- and tri-epoxides. Compounds 16,17 and 18 are separated and purified by HPLC using the system describedin Examples 2 and 4-9. In a typical experiment yields of 15% to 25% areobtained for each of Compounds 16, 17 and 18.

2) Synthesis of Compounds 19, 20 and 21 by Di-Epoxidation of Compound 1:

To a solution of Compound 1 dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) is added2.3 equivalents of meta-chloroperbenzoic acid. The reaction is cooled inan ice bath and stirred at 0° C. for 1-2 hours. The reaction mixture isthen evaporated to dryness, re-dissolved in methanol and subjected toliquid chromatography on a column of Sephadex™ LH-20 to isolate amixture of predominantly Compounds 19, 20 and 21, contaminated withtraces of unchanged starting material and some mono- and tri-epoxides.Compounds 19, 20 and 21 are separated and purified by HPLC using thesystem described in Examples 2 and 4-9. In a typical experiment, yieldsof 15% to 20% are obtained for each of Compounds 19, 20 and 21.

3) Synthesis of Compound 22 by Tri-Epoxidation of Compound 1:

To a solution of Compound 1, dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF), isadded 3.5 equivalents of meta-chloroperbenzoic acid. The reaction iscooled in an ice bath and stirred at 0° C. for 1-2 hours. The reactionmixture is then evaporated to dryness, re-dissolved in methanol andsubjected to liquid chromatography on a column of Sephadex™ LH-20 toisolate Compound 22 in an essentially pure form in a yield of 80+%.

4) Syntheses of Compounds 23 and 24 by Epoxidation of Compound 42.

To a solution of Compound 42 dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) is added1.1 equivalents of meta-chloroperbenzoic acid. The reaction is cooled inan ice bath and stirred at 0° C. for 1-2 hours. The reaction mixture isthen evaporated to dryness, re-dissolved in methanol and subjected toliquid chromatography on a column of Sephadex™ LH-20 to isolate amixture of predominantly Compounds 23 and 24, contaminated with someunchanged starting material and some diepoxide. Compounds 23 and 24 areseparated and purified by HPLC or HSCC using one of the systemsdescribed in Examples 2 and 4-9. In a typical experiment yields of 35%to 40% are obtained for each of Compounds 23 and 24.

Compounds 25 and 29 to 34 are prepared using this procedure. In eachprocedure, Compound 42 is replaced by the appropriate starting material.More specifically, Compounds 25 and 29 are prepared using Compound 41 asstarting material; Compounds 30 and 31 are prepared using Compound 40 asstarting material; and Compounds 32, 33, and 34 are preparedrespectively from Compounds 45, 44 and 43.

5) Synthesis of Compound 28 by Epoxidation of Compound 40.

To a solution of Compound 40 dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) is added2.2 equivalents of meta-chloroperbenzoic acid. The reaction is cooled inan ice bath and stirred at 0° C. for 1-2 hours. The reaction mixture isthen evaporated to dryness, re-dissolved in methanol and subjected toliquid chromatography on a column of Sephadex™ LH-20 to isolateessentially pure Compound 28 in good yield.

Compounds 26 and 27 are prepared using the same procedure, but usingrespectively from Compounds 42 and 41 as starting material, instead ofCompound 40.

g) Epoxide Opening:

Syntheses of Compound 53 by Opening the Epoxide of Compound 16.

A solution of Compound 16 (100 mg) in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) is treatedwith 1N aqueous hydrochloric acid (5 ml). The reaction mixture isstirred overnight at room temperature and is then diluted with toluene(100 ml) and water (200 ml). The toluene layer is separated and theaqueous layer is extracted with a further 100 ml of toluene. Thecombined toluene layers are washed once more with water (50 ml) and theseparated and dried under vacuum to give the vicinal glycol Compound 53.

The same procedure is used to prepare Compounds 54 to 59, usingrespectively Compounds 17 to 22 as starting material.

-   -   h) Hydrogenation:

Compounds 40 to 46 (from Compound 1) and 78 (from Compound 2) areproduced by catalytic hydrogenation using a source of hydrogen(hydrogen, formic acid, and the like), and a catalyst (palladium oncharcoal, platinum oxide, Raney-Nickel, and the like). Hydrogen uptakeis optionally measured or controlled.

1) Syntheses of Compounds 40, 41 and 42 by Hydrogenation of Compound 1.

A solution Compound 1 (462 mg) in ethanol (200 ml) with palladium oncharcoal (25 mg of 5%) is shaken in an hydrogenation apparatus in anatmosphere of hydrogen. The uptake of hydrogen by the reaction ismeasured carefully and at the point where one millimole of hydrogen hasbeen consumed, shaking is stopped, the vessel is rapidly evacuated andthe atmosphere is replaced with nitrogen. The catalyst is removed byfiltration and the filtrate is concentrated to obtain a crude mixture ofCompounds 40, 41 and 42 contaminated by unreacted starting material andminor amounts of over reduced products. The desired products may beseparated and purified by HPLC or HSCC chromatography using the systemsas described in Examples 2 and 4-9 above, to obtain approximately 100 mgof each of Compounds 40, 41 and 42.

2) Syntheses of Compounds 43, 44 and 45 by Hydrogenation of Compound 1.

A solution of Compound 1 (462 mg) in ethanol (200 ml) with palladium oncharcoal (25 mg of 5%) is shaken in an hydrogenation apparatus in anatmosphere of hydrogen. The uptake of hydrogen by the reaction ismeasured carefully and at the point where two millimoles of hydrogen hasbeen consumed, shaking is stopped, the vessel is rapidly evacuated andthe atmosphere is replaced with nitrogen. The catalyst is removed byfiltration and the filtrate is concentrated to obtain a crude mixture ofCompounds 43, 44 and 45 contaminated by trace amounts unreacted startingmaterial and minor amounts of under and over reduced products. Thedesired products may be separated and purified by HPLC or HSCCchromatography using the systems as described in Examples 2 and 4-9above, to obtain approximately 100 mg of each of Compounds 43, 44 and45.

3) Syntheses of Compound 46 by Hydrogenation of Compound 1 (alsoProduced Using the Procedure of Example 8(a) and 8(b)).

A solution of Compound 1 (462 mg) in ethanol (200 ml) with palladium oncharcoal (25 mg of 5%) is shaken in an hydrogenation apparatus in anatmosphere of hydrogen. The uptake of hydrogen by the reaction ismeasured carefully and at the point where three millimoles of hydrogenhave been consumed, shaking is stopped, the vessel is rapidly evacuatedand the atmosphere is replaced with nitrogen. The catalyst is removed byfiltration and the filtrate is concentrated to obtain an essentiallypure sample of Compound 46.

Compound 78 is prepared from the same procedure, using Compound 2 asstarting material, instead of Compound 1.

i) Ozonolysis:

Syntheses of Compounds 47, 49 and 51 by Ozonolysis of Compound 1.

A solution of Compound 1 (462 mg) in dry ethyl acetate (200 ml) in anozonolysis apparatus is cooled to below −20° C. A stream of ozonecontaining oxygen is passed into the solution from an ozone generator,which has been precalibrated such that the rate of ozone generation isknown. To obtain predominantly Compound 47 the passage of ozone ishalted after 0.9 millimole have been generated. To obtain predominantlyCompound 49 the ozone passage is halted after 2 millimoles have beengenerated and to obtain Compound 51 as the predominant product 3.3millimoles of ozone are generated.

At the completion of the ozonolysis, the reaction mixture is transferredto an hydrogenation apparatus, 5% palladium on calcium carbonatecatalyst (0.2 g) is added to the reaction mixture which is maintained atless than −20° C. and is hydrogenated. When hydrogen uptake is completethe hydrogen atmosphere is replaced with nitrogen and the reactionmixture is allowed to come to room temperature, filtered to removecatalyst and the filtrate is concentrated. The crude product may bepurified by chromatography using either HPLC or HSCC with the systems asdescribed in Examples 2 and 4-9 to give, dependent on the amount ofozone used, Compounds 47, 49 and 51.

Dimethyl acetal compounds, for example, Compounds 94 to 96, are alsoproduced by ozonolysis in methanol, followed by treatment with dimethylsulfide. Aldehyde Compounds 47, 49 and 51, are obtained by hydrolysis(standard aqueous acidic conditions) of Compounds 94 to 96.

j) Reduction:

Synthesis of Compound 48 by Reduction of the Aldehyde of Compound 47.

A solution of Compound 47 (50 mg) in isopropanol (5 ml) is cooled in anice-salt bath and sodium borohydride (10 mg) is added and the mixture isstirred for 20 minutes. It is then diluted with water (20 ml) andextracted twice with toluene (10 ml portions) at ambient temperature.The combined toluene extracts are filtered and the filtrate isconcentrated to give Compound 48.

Compounds 50 and 52 are produced by the same procedure, when replacingCompound 47 by Compounds 51 and 53 respectively as starting material.

k) Phosphorylation:

Compounds 114 to 120 and 124 to 130 are prepared according to theprocedure described in Silverberg et al. (1996), Tetreahedron Letters,vol 37, 711-774. For example, Compounds 120 and 130 are produced asfollows:

Compound 1 is treated, in carbon tertrachloride at −10° C., with 3.3equivalents of dibenzylphosphite and N,N-diisopropylethylamine and acatalytic amount of 4-dimethylamino pyridine, and the reaction mixturestirred at this temperature for 1 hour or until disappearance of thestarting material. The mixture is washed with water and the layersseparated. The organic layer is dried and concentrated in vacuo. Theresidue obtained is further purified (as described in Examples 4-9) ifnecessary to give pure Compound 120.

Compound 120 is then hydrogenolyzed under standard conditions, such ashydrogen gas with wet palladium on carbon as catalyst, under controlledconditions.

Compounds 124 to 130 are also prepared using the above procedure but byusing bis(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)phosphorochloridate, to producebis(2,2,2-trichloroethyl)phosphate intermediates, which are cleavedusing zinc dust and glacial acetic acid in pyridine as described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,561,122 (issued to Pettit et al) to produce the desired freemono-, bis- or triphosphate compound (i.e., Compound 124-130), dependingon the excess of zinc used, and the time and temperature of reaction.

l) Biotinilation:

Compound 122 is prepared from Compound in three chemical steps: 1.epoxidation of Compound 1 (to produce Compound 18); 2. epoxide openingwith HBr (to, produce Compound 121); and 3, Reaction with Biotin(Aldrich). Step 1 is described in Example 8(d). Step 2 is accomplishedas follows:

Compound 18 in tetrahydrofuran is treated at −10° C. with hydrobromicacid (1 eq) and stirred at this temperature for 1 hour or untilcompletion by TLC. The reaction is diluted with water and neutralizedwith sodium bicarbonate. The mixture is extracted with ethyl acetate,dried and concentrated in vacuo. The residue is optionally purified asdescribed in Examples 4 to 9 to give pure Compound 121.

Step 3 is accomplished as follows:

Compound 121, Biotin (1 eq) and HOBt (1-hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate, 1eq) are dissolved in tetrahydrofuran and cooled to 0° C., DCC(dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, 1 eq) is added and the reaction mixturestirred for 1 hour or until completion. The reaction mixture is filteredto eliminate the produced DCU (dicyclohexylurea). The filtrate isconcentrated in vacuo, and the residue is purified as described inExamples 4 to 9 to give pure Compound 122.

All patents, patent applications, and published references cited hereinare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. While thisinvention has been particularly shown and described with references topreferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled inthe art that various changes in form and details may be made thereinwithout departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by theappended claims.

1. A compound of Formula I:

wherein, W¹, W² and W³ are each independently selected from

the chain from the tricycle terminates at W³, W² or W¹ with W³, W² or W¹respectively being either —CH═O, —CH(OC₁₋₆alkyl)₂, —CH₂OH,—CH₂OC₁₋₆alkyl or C(O)OR⁷; R¹ is selected from H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl,C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl,C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C(O)H, C(O)C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkenyl,C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C(O)C₆₋₁₀aryl, C(O)C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl,C(O)C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl; C(O)C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl or a C-coupled aminoacid; R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently selected from H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl,C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl,C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C(O)H, C(O)C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkenyl,C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C(O)C₆₋₁₀aryl, C(O)C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl,C(O)C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl; C(O)C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl or a C-coupled aminoacid; R⁵ and R⁶ are each independently selected from H, OH, OC₁₋₆alkyl,OC(O)C₁₋₆alkyl, NH₂, NHC₁₋₆alkyl, N(C₁₋₆alkyl)₂, NHC(O)C₁₋₆alkyl; R⁷ isselected from H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl,C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl and C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl; X¹, X², X³,X⁴ and X⁵ are each H; or one of X¹, X², X³, X⁴ or X⁵ is halogen and theremaining ones are H; and wherein, when any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶and R⁷ comprises an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl,cycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl group, then the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl group is optionallysubstituted with substituents selected from acyl, amino, acylamino,acyloxy, carboalkoxy, carboxy, carboxyamido, cyano, halo, hydroxyl,nitro, thio, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₇alkenyl, C₂₋₇alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl,C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy,sulfinyl, sulfonyl, oxo, guanidino and formyl; with the proviso thatwhen W¹, W² and W³ are all —CH═C(CH₃), X¹, X², X³, X⁴ and X⁵ are all H,and R², R³ and R⁴ are all H, then R¹ is not H; with the proviso thatwhen W¹, W² and W³ are all —CH═C(CH₃), X¹, X², X³, X⁴ and X⁵ are all H,and R¹ is H, then R², R³ and R⁴ are not all CH₃ or all C(O)CH₃; with theproviso that when the chain from the tricycle terminates at W¹ or W²with W² or W¹ respectively being either —CH═O, —CH(QC₁₋₆alkyl)₂, —CH₂OH,—CH₂OC₁₋₆alkyl or C(O)OR⁷, then R¹ is H; and an ester, ether,N-alkylated or N-acylated derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 2. A compound of Formula II:

wherein, R¹ is a linear C₁₋₁₀alkyl; or a farnesyl derivative thereof,wherein said farnesyl derivative has one, two or three hydrogenated orhydroalkoxylated double bonds; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt orprodrug thereof.
 3. A compound of Formula III:

wherein, W¹, W² and are each independently selected from

the chain from the tricycle terminates at W³, W² or W¹ with W³, W² or W¹respectively being either —CH═O, —CH(OC₁₋₆alkyl)₂, —CH₂OH,—CH₂OC₁₋₆alkyl or C(O)OR⁷; R¹ is selected from H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl,C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl,C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C(O)H, C(O)C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkenyl,C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C(O)C₆₋₁₀aryl, C(O)C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl,C(O)C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl; C(O)C₃₋₁₀-heterocycloalkyl or a C-coupled aminoacid; R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently selected from H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl,C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl,C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C(O)H, C(O)C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkenyl,C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C(O)C₆₋₁₀aryl, C(O)C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl,C(O)C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl; C(O)C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl or a C-coupled aminoacid; R⁵ and R⁶ are each independently selected from H, OH, OC₁₋₆alkyl,NH₂, NHC₁₋₆alkyl, N(C₁₋₆alkyl)₂, NHC(O)C₁₋₆alkyl; R⁷ is selected from H,C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl,C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl and C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl; X¹, X², X³, X⁴ and X⁵ areeach H; or one of X¹, X², X³, X⁴ or X⁵ is halogen and the remaining onesare H; and wherein, when any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ comprisesan alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, orheterocycloalkyl group, then the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl,heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl group is optionallysubstituted with substituents selected from acyl, amino, acylamino,acyloxy, carboalkoxy, carboxy, carboxyamido, cyano, halo, hydroxyl,nitro, thio, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₇alkenyl, C₂₋₇alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀ cycloalkyl,C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy,sulfinyl, sulfonyl, oxo, guanidino and formyl; and an ester, ether,N-alkylated or N-acylated derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 4. The compound of claim 3, whereinsaid compound is a compound of Formula IV:

wherein, W¹, W² and W³ are each independently selected from

the chain from the tricycle terminates at W³, W² or W¹ with W³, W² or W¹respectively being either —CH═O, —CH(OC₁₋₆alkyl)₂, —CH₂OH,—CH₂OC₁₋₆alkyl or C(O)OR⁷; R¹ is selected from H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl,C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl,C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C(O)H, C(O)C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkenyl,C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C(O)C₆₋₁₀aryl, C(O)C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl,C(O)C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl; C(O)C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl or a C-coupled aminoacid; R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently selected from H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl,C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl,C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C(O)H, C(O)C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkenyl,C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C(O)C₆₋₁₀aryl, C(O)C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl,C(O)C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl; C(O)C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl or a C-coupled aminoacid; R⁵ and R⁶ are each independently selected from H, OH, OC₁₋₆alkyl,OC(O)C₁₋₆alkyl, NH₂, NHC₁₋₆alkyl, N(C₁₋₆alkyl)₂, NHC(O)C₁₋₆alkyl; R⁷ isselected from H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl,C₅₋₁₀ heteroaryl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl and C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl; X¹, X², X³,X⁴ and X⁵ are each H; or one of X¹, X², X³, X⁴ or X⁵ is halogen and theremaining ones are H; and wherein, when any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶and R⁷ comprises an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl,cycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl group, then the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl group is optionallysubstituted with substituents selected from acyl, amino, acylamino,acyloxy, carboalkoxy, carboxy, carboxyamido, cyano, halo, hydroxyl,nitro, thio, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₇alkenyl, C₂₋₇alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl,C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy,sulfinyl, sulfonyl, oxo, guanidino and formyl; with the proviso thatwhen W¹, W² and W³ are all —CH═C(CH₃), X¹, X², X³, X⁴ and X⁵ are all H,and R², R³ and R⁴ are all H, then R¹ is not H; with the proviso thatwhen the chain from the tricycle terminates at W¹ or W² with W² or W¹respectively being either —CH═O, —CH(OC₁₋₆alkyl)₂, —CH₂OH,—CH₂OC₁₋₆alkyl or C(O)OR⁷, then R¹ is H; and an ester, ether,N-alkylated or N-acylated derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 5. The compound of claim 3, whereinsaid compound is a compound of Formula V:

wherein, W¹, W² and W³ are each independently selected from

the chain from the tricycle terminates at W³, W² or W¹ with W³, W² or W¹respectively being either —CH═O or —CH₂OH; R¹ is selected from H,C₁-oalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl,C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl, C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C(O)C₁₋₁₀alkyl,C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C(O)C₆₋₁₀aryl, C(O)C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl,C(O)C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl; C(O)C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl or a C-coupled aminoacid; R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently selected from H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl,C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl,C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C(O)H, C(O)C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkenyl,C(O)C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C(O)C₆₋₁₀aryl, C(O)C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl,C(O)C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl; C(O)C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl or a C-coupled aminoacid; R⁵ and R⁶ are each independently selected from H, OH andOC₁₋₆alkyl; wherein, when any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ comprises analkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, orheterocycloalkyl group, then the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl,heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, or heterocycloalkyl group is optionallysubstituted with substituents selected from acyl, amino, acylamino,acyloxy, carboalkoxy, carboxy, carboxyamido, cyano, halo, hydroxyl,nitro, thio, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₇alkenyl, C₂₋₇alkynyl, C₃₋₁₀cycloalkyl,C₃₋₁₀heterocycloalkyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₅₋₁₀heteroaryl, alkoxy, aryloxy,sulfinyl, sulfonyl, oxo, guanidino and formyl; and with the proviso thatwhen W¹, W² and W³ are all —CH═C(CH₃), and R², R³ and R⁴ are all H, thenR¹ is not H; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.6. The compound of claim 3, wherein said compound is a compound ofFormula VI:

wherein, W¹, W² and W³ is each independently selected from

the chain from the tricycle may terminate at W³, W² or W¹ with W³, W² orW¹ respectively being either —CH═O or —CH₂OH; A is selected from —NH—,—NCH₂R⁸, —NC(O)R⁸; R⁸ is selected from H, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkene, aryl orheteroaryl; R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently selected from H, R⁵,—C(O)R⁶ R⁵ is selected from C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₇alkalene, aryl or heteroaryl;R⁶ is selected from H, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₇alkalene, aryl or heteroaryl; or apharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.
 7. The compound ofclaim 6, wherein said compound is a compound of Formula VII:

wherein, W¹, W² and W³ is each independently selected from

the chain from the tricycle may terminate at W³, W² or W¹ with W³, W² orW¹ respectively being either —CH═O or —CH₂OH; A is selected from —NH—,—NCH₂R⁸, —NC(O)R⁸; R⁸ is selected from C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkene, aryl orheteroaryl; R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently selected from H, R⁵,—C(O)R⁶ R⁵ is selected from C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₇alkalene, aryl or heteroaryl;R⁶ is selected from H, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₇alkalene, aryl or heteroaryl; or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 8. The compound of claim 6,wherein said compound is a compound of Formula VIII:

Formula VIII wherein, W¹, W² and W³ is each independently selected from

A is selected from —NH—, —NCH₂R⁸, —NC(O)R⁸; R⁸ is selected from H,C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkene, aryl or heteroaryl; R², R³, and R⁴ are eachindependently selected from H, R⁵, —C(O)R⁶ R⁵ is selected fromC₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₇alkalene, aryl or heteroaryl; R⁶ is selected from H.C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₇alkalene, aryl or heteroaryl; or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt or prodrug thereof.
 9. The compound of claim 7, whereinsaid compound is a compound of Formula IX:

wherein, W¹, W² and W³ is each independently selected from

A is selected from —NH—, —NCH₂R⁸, —NC(O)R⁸; R⁸ is selected fromC₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkene, aryl or heteroaryl; R², R³, and R⁴ are eachindependently selected from H, R⁵, —C(O)R⁶ R⁵ is selected fromC₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₇alkalene, aryl or heteroaryl; R⁶ is selected from H,C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₇alkalene, aryl or heteroaryl; or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.
 10. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ is aC₁₋₁₀alkyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrugthereof.
 11. The compound of claim 1, wherein one of W¹, W² and W³ is—CH═C(CH₃)—, and the remaining ones are —CH₂CH(CH₃)—, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 12. Thecompound of claim 1, wherein two of W¹, W² and W³ are —CH═C(CH₃)—, andthe remaining one is —CH₂CH(CH₃)—, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 13. The compound of claim 1, whereinW¹, W² and W³ are each —CH₂CH(CH₃)—, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 14. The compound of claim 1, whereinR¹ is a C₁₋₁₀alkyl, and W¹, W² and W³ are each —CH₂CH(CH₃)—, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 15. Thecompound of claim 1, wherein X¹ is a bromide, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 16. The compound of claim1, wherein R¹ is a linear C₁₋₁₀alkyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 17. The compound of claim 1, whereinR¹ is a linear C₁₋₆alkyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvateor prodrug thereof.
 18. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ is methyl,or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof. 19.The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ is ethyl, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 20. The compound of claim1, wherein R¹ is n-propyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,solvate or prodrug thereof.
 21. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ isn-butyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrugthereof.
 22. The compound of claim 1, wherein R¹ is n-hexyl, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 23. Thecompound of claim 1, wherein said compound is selected from Compounds 2to 7, 9 to 11 and 13 to 130, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,solvate or prodrug thereof:


24. The compound of claim 23, wherein said compound is selected fromCompounds 1 to 7, 9 to 11, 14, 17, 18, 46, 63, 64, 67, 77, 78, 80, 82 to85, 87, 89, 92, 95 to 98,100 to 103, 105, 107 and 108, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 25. Thecompound of claim 23, wherein said compound is selected from Compounds2, 14, 62, 63, 64, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 78, 79, 80, 81, 85, 86, 87, and98 to 100, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrugthereof.
 26. The compound of claim 25, wherein said compound is selectedfrom Compounds 2, 14, 63, 64, 67, 78, 80, 85, 87, 98, and 100, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof.
 27. Thecompound of claim 23, wherein said compound is selected from Compounds40-46, and
 97. 28. A process for producing a compound of claim 1, saidprocess-comprising chemically modifying Compound 1:

wherein said chemical modification comprises at least one step selectedfrom the group consisting of: N-alkylations, N-acylations,O-alkylations, O-acylations, aromatic halogenation, farnesylhydrogenation, farnesyl epoxidation, farnesyl dihydroxylation, farnesylhydration, farnesyl hydroalkoxylation, farnesyl hydroamidation, andfarnesyl ozonolysis.
 29. The process of claim 28, wherein said chemicalmodification comprises at least one step selected from the groupconsisting of: N-alkylations, O-acylations, farnesyl hydrogenation, andfarnesyl hydroalkoxylation.
 30. A pharmaceutical composition comprisinga therapeutically effective amount of a compound of claim 1 and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 31. A pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of claim 2and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 32. A pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compoundof claim 23 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 33. Apharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amountof a compound of claim 24 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 34.A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effectiveamount of a compound of claim 25 and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier.
 35. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound of claim 26 and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier.
 36. A pharmaceutical composition comprising atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of claim 27 and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 37. A method of inhibiting thegrowth of a neoplastic cell, comprising contacting said neoplastic cellwith a compound of claim 1, such that growth of said neoplastic cell isinhibited.
 38. A method of inhibiting the growth of a neoplastic cell,comprising contacting said neoplastic cell with a compound of claim 2,such that growth of said neoplastic cell is inhibited.
 39. A method ofinhibiting the growth of a neoplastic cell, comprising contacting saidneoplastic cell with a compound of claim 23, such that growth of saidneoplastic cell is inhibited.
 40. A method of inhibiting the growth of aneoplastic cell, comprising contacting said neoplastic cell with acompound of claim 24, such that growth of said neoplastic cell isinhibited.
 41. A method of inhibiting the growth of a neoplastic cell,comprising contacting said neoplastic cell with a compound of claim 25,such that growth of said neoplastic cell is inhibited.
 42. A method ofinhibiting the growth of a neoplastic cell, comprising contacting saidneoplastic cell with a compound of claim 26, such that growth of saidneoplastic cell is inhibited.
 43. A method of inhibiting the growth of aneoplastic cell, comprising contacting said neoplastic cell with acompound of claim 27, such that growth of said neoplastic cell isinhibited.
 44. A method of treating a neoplastic condition in a subject,comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of acompound of claim 1 to said subject, such that the neoplastic conditionis treated.
 45. A method of treating a neoplastic condition in asubject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount ofa compound of claim 2 to said subject, such that the neoplasticcondition is treated.
 46. A method of treating a neoplastic condition ina subject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amountof a compound of claim 23 to said subject, such that the neoplasticcondition is treated.
 47. A method of treating a neoplastic condition ina subject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amountof a compound of claim 24 to said subject, such that the neoplasticcondition is treated.
 48. A method of treating a neoplastic condition ina subject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amountof a compound of claim 25 to said subject, such that the neoplasticcondition is treated.
 49. A method of treating a neoplastic condition ina subject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amountof a compound of claim 26 to said subject, such that the neoplasticcondition is treated.
 50. A method of treating a neoplastic condition ina subject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amountof a compound of claim 27 to said subject, such that the neoplasticcondition is treated.
 51. A method of treating a neoplastic condition ina mammal, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount ofa compound of claim 1 to said mammal, such that the neoplastic conditionis treated.
 52. A method of treating a neoplastic condition in a mammal,comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of acompound of claim 2 to said mammal, such that the neoplastic conditionis treated.
 53. A method of treating a neoplastic condition in a mammal,comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of acompound of claim 23 to said mammal, such that the neoplastic conditionis treated.
 54. A method of treating a neoplastic condition in a mammal,comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of acompound of claim 24 to said mammal, such that the neoplastic conditionis treated.
 55. A method of treating a neoplastic condition in a mammal,comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of acompound of claim 25 to said mammal, such that the neoplastic conditionis treated.
 56. A method of treating a neoplastic condition in a mammal,comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of acompound of claim 26 to said mammal, such that the neoplastic conditionis treated.
 57. A method of treating a neoplastic condition in a mammal,comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of acompound of claim 27 to said mammal, such that the neoplastic conditionis treated.